Colonialism, Gender and Religion: A study of Kartini’s letters to Stella Zeehandelaar

Abstract

Raden Ajeng Kartini’s letters to Stella Zeehandelaar are an important source of biographical and historical information about the colonial conditions of her time. They are also considered valuable literary works as they showcase Kartini’s ability as a writer. Her letters to Zeehandelaar present a rich and nuanced use of language as well as the ability to express complex emotions and ideas. Despite the friendship formed through letter writing, a slight complication and tension can be seen in the correspondence. Therefore, exploring the literary dimensions through a post-colonial reading of Kartini’s writings would allow for an understanding of the complications and their cause(s). This thesis investigates how Kartini navigated the power relations and hierarchies of her time through the delivery of her messages. It does not only look at the content of these letters, but also the intentions behind them. To achieve this aim, this study examines fifteen letters written by Kartini to Zehandelaar from 1899 to 1903. Due to the absence of Zeehandelaar’s replies, guesses and predictions based on Kartini’s writings are made. A reading of these letters through the post-colonial lens provides sufficient evidence to recognise and comprehend Kartini’s ambivalence as well as endeavour to establish connections and the challenges that arose while communicating