Marah Rusli was a prominent Indonesian writer and author who was born on March 20, 1889 in Koto Gadang, West Sumatra. He is widely known as the author of the classic novel "Siti Nurbaya" which was published in 1922. This novel is considered one of the first modern literary works in Indonesia and is an important milestone in the world of Malay literature.

"Siti Nurbaya" tells the story of love that is hindered by various conflicts, especially related to the traditions and social norms that existed in society at that time. Through the main character, Siti Nurbaya, Marah Rusli describes the struggle of women in facing pressure from family and society, and how true love can be hindered by various limitations.

In addition to "Siti Nurbaya," Marah Rusli also wrote various other works, including articles that raise social, educational, and cultural issues. He is one of the pioneers of modern Malay literature that seeks to present the reality of people's lives, as well as raise awareness of the importance of education and women's emancipation. His contributions to the world of literature and social thought make him an important figure in the history of Indonesian literature.

By: EIC

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By: EIC

This post is the first part of Magistra Andalusia's attempt to briefly introduce critical literary theories. Deconstruction theory, developed by Jacques Derrida, is an approach to criticism that focuses on understanding and analyzing texts. Derrida challenges the idea that texts have fixed or definitive meanings. He argues that meaning is always provisional and subject to change depending on context and interpretation.

One of the key concepts in deconstruction is “differance,” which describes how meaning is shaped by difference and delay. According to Derrida, meaning cannot be understood directly; instead, it is always involved in a network of relationships with other meanings. Thus, every text contains ambiguities and contradictions that can be uncovered through analysis. 

Derrida also criticizes the dualism and hierarchy that often appear in Western thought, as expressed in the opposition between written and spoken, or subject and object. He argues that these dualisms often ignore the complexity and uncertainty inherent in meaning. Through deconstruction, Derrida seeks to show how texts can be read and interpreted variously, opening up space for broader understanding. 

In this way, deconstruction becomes not only a method of literary analysis, but also a tool for questioning cultural, philosophical, and political norms. The theory invites us to look deeper and consider that every statement or text has more than one meaning, allowing for diverse and inclusive interpretations.

By: EIC