Wiwien Widiyawati Rahayu, Yudha Adhistira, Saktia Hidayah

Renewable Woman: A Gender Analysis of Kidung Tresna Sang Pikatan and Prau Layar ing Kali Code

Introduction

Renewable woman: a gender analysis of kidung tresna sang pikatan and prau layar ing kali code. This gender analysis examines the transformation and dominance of female characters in Javanese novels "Kidung Tresna Sang Pikatan" & "Prau Layar ing Kali Code."

Abstract

Women in the past are reconstructed by both male and female authors into positioned subjects. The transformation of women from object to subject is recorded in two Javanese novels of the Reformation era that become the material object of this research, namely Kidung Tresna Sang Pikatan and Prau Layar Ing Kali Code. Aspects of women’s subjectivation in these Javanese novels are identified, categorized and analyzed by applying the concept of gender, which views the resistance of female characters in literary works as an effort to negotiate how women should be positioned. In both novels, the analysis will focus on two characters, Wulan in Kidung Tresna Sang Pikatan and Gandawati in Prau Layar Ing Kali Code. Both characters are characterized by their dominance over me. To see this phenomenon, the author tries to apply Haraway’s view of critical feminism and the concept of cyborg. The research proves that women have an important role in both narratives built by the author in the transformative novel that is sourced from historical stories and pre-existing myths.

Review

The paper titled "Renewable Woman: A Gender Analysis of Kidung Tresna Sang Pikatan and Prau Layar ing Kali Code" presents an intriguing and timely investigation into the portrayal of women in Javanese literature. The abstract clearly outlines the study's ambition: to explore the transformation of female characters from passive objects to active subjects within two Javanese novels of the Reformation era. By focusing on Wulan and Gandawati, the research proposes to apply a nuanced gender analysis, drawing upon critical feminist theories, specifically Haraway's concept of the cyborg, to understand their resistance and negotiation of prescribed roles. This approach promises a fresh perspective on how historical and mythological narratives are reinterpreted through a contemporary feminist lens. A significant strength of this proposed study lies in its interdisciplinary ambition, marrying literary analysis with gender studies and a specific focus on Javanese cultural context. The application of Haraway's "cyborg" concept to characters within Javanese historical novels is particularly novel and holds the potential to yield compelling insights into how female agency, even within traditional narratives, can be reimagined beyond conventional binaries. The abstract's mention of the characters' "dominance over me" (presumably male characters or societal norms) indicates a direct engagement with power dynamics, suggesting a robust exploration of how these women challenge existing patriarchal structures and contribute to the "renewable" aspect highlighted in the title. The selection of Reformation-era novels also grounds the study in a specific socio-historical context, implying that the analysis will reflect broader societal shifts. While the abstract sets a strong foundation, the full paper would benefit from further elaboration on certain conceptual and methodological points. Specifically, a detailed explanation of how Haraway's cyborg theory translates to characters within a Javanese cultural and historical context is crucial, as this is a bold theoretical move that requires careful justification. Furthermore, clarifying what is meant by "dominance over me" and how this is analytically unpacked would strengthen the argument. The abstract concludes by stating that "The research proves that women have an important role...," which, as a finding, needs to be rigorously supported through detailed textual analysis and theoretical argumentation within the main body of the paper, rather than presented as a pre-established fact. Addressing these points will undoubtedly enhance the paper's scholarly contribution and its impact on both literary and gender studies.

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