A Cross-Disciplinary Exploration of Identity, Power, and Resistance in Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s This Earth of Mankind: Reimagining Colonial Narratives

Abstract

This research presents a multidisciplinary framework for analysing Toer’s novel by incorporating postcolonial ecocriticism, gender studies, and identity theory. The objective of the study is to reinterpret colonial narratives through a detailed examination of the intersections among environmental, gendered, and identity-related aspects within the text. By employing postcolonial ecocriticism, the research investigates the depiction of environmental landscapes and the repercussions of colonialism on nature, focusing on how the novel critiques ecological degradation and contemplates human-nature interactions during colonial times. Gender studies are applied to scrutinize the portrayal of gender roles and disparities, emphasizing the influence of colonial and patriarchal systems on the experiences and identities of both female and male characters. Additionally, identity theory enhances the analysis by exploring the ways in which colonialism shapes individual and collective identities, addressing concerns related to race, class, and cultural heritage. Through this comprehensive approach, the study illustrates how Toer’s narrative contests colonial ideologies and provides a complex critique of the effects of colonialism on the environment and human identities. This interdisciplinary analysis not only deepens the comprehension of This Earth of Mankind but also contributes to wider conversations in postcolonial, ecocritical, and gender studies.