A NEW REVOLUTION OF INDIE LITERARY WORK

Nor Hasimah Ismail¹⁺ --- Nazilah Mohamad² --- Rafizah Mohd Rawian³

¹School of Education and Modern Languages, College of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

²Centre of Modern Languages and Communication Studies, Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia

³School of Languages, Civilisation and Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

Keywords:Indie Novel Social Implicit and explicit works.

ARTICLE HISTORY: Received:25 May 2018. Revised:22 June 2018. Accepted:3 July 2018. Published:10 July 2018.

1. INTRODUCTION

Novels were first introduced to the Malay community in the 20th century and they were recognized in a form of ‘recent news' or 'short stories'. Novels which were initially stemmed from the west became popular literary work in the Western literature. Realism is the most important feature in distinguishing novels with prose. The first Malay novel that was published was ‘Hikayat Setia Asyik kepada Masyuknya’(The Tale of Loyalty, Affection and Infatuation), better known as Hikayat Faridah Hanum (The Tale of Faridah Hanum) by Syed Syeikh al Hadi. This was followed by ‘Kawan Benar’ (True Friend) by Ahmad bin Haji Muhammad Rashid Talu in 1927. The Hikayat Cinta Kasih Kemudaan (The Tale of Youthful Love) was then written in 1927 by Ahmad Kotot and Iakah Salmah (Is It Salmah) in 1928 by Ahmad Rashid Talu.

In 1930s, novels grew rapidly due to the increase of society’s awareness and the growing number of established schools. Some of the common themes at that time were love stories, forced marriages, and household harmony. Between1946 to 1949, Malay novels were much influenced by the social and political factors and among the popular themes were social, national and organizational novels. Subsequently in 1950s, novels with social and historical themes were sought after and themes like community, war and politics and history were famous in 1960's. Novels with society, development, politics and historical themes continued to grow in 1970s (Majul, 2017 ). Presently, novels have been given a special place in printed and electronic media.

This study will explore indie literary work - a new style of writing that has no clear form and style of writing. ‘Indie’ originates from the word ‘independent’ and it is a self-published and free of charge piece of literary work. Since there is no restrictions and rules in terms of its plot, characters and language, authors are free to produce their work.

This study will examine Kamaruzaman, A’s indie novel using the text analysis method. The study also uses relevant and reliable information from books, theses and websites. The selected novel is the sequel of Kamaruzaman’s popular novel entitled ‘Babi’ (The pig) that was published in 2016 by Legen Press Sdn Bhd.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Azmee (2014 ) had conducted a comprehensive analysis on female roles in novels written by male authors. The female roles were analyzed using the feminism approach. The study revealed that female roles were viewed in various ways – some male authors perceived females as defenders and significant providers to the society and some male authors had down-graded females’ social status and contributions.

Affendi (2005 ) had studied twenty Malay literature component novels in order to analyze the relationships between thoughts and techniques of narration used in these novels. Psychological and ethical approaches were used to investigate the authors’ thoughts (in terms of sociocultural, sociopolitical and socioeconomic aspects) and the narrative techniques (interpretations, dialogues, monologues, flashbacks, facial expressions, tension and surprise) used in the novels studied.

Mustafa (2006 ) examined ten Khadijah Hashim’s novels in order to analyze the author’s thoughts. The sociological literary approach was used in analyzing the thinking patterns in socio-cultural, sociopolitical and socio-economic aspects as well as their relationships with the society. Previous studies, articles and books related to human’s thoughts were used as its references.

Nun Haslini P. Ramli had conducted a study entitled “Persoalan dalam Novel Norhayati Ibrahim” (Norhayati Ibrahim’s Novels: An Inquiry). This study analyzed the general perception of Norhayati’s three novels – “Hati Seorang Wanita” (The Heart of a Woman), “Sayang  Tak  Terucap” (The Unspoken Love)and “Cinta Pertama” (The First Love) which were more inclined to simple issues. The findings of the study revealed that these novels had highlighted two main matters which were categorized as positive and negative issues. The positive issues were related with love, affection, faith in God, patience, responsibility, fortitude, forgiveness, loyalty and conviction. The negative issues on the contrary dealt with moral collapse, jealousy, cheating, disappointment, revenge, sadness and fraud. The study concluded that these issues could be easily understood since they did not require much intellectual discussions.

Abdullah, H.’s  study on Azmah Nordin’s novel entitled “Menongkah Lumrah: Satu Analisis Wacana” (Against the Norms: A Discourse Analysis) was aimed to examine techniques used in a discourse. The results of the study showed that general nouns, special names, pronouns, references, replacements, repetitions, disappearances and lexical were used extensively in this novel. The study concluded that a literary work can be used as a linguistic study material especially for a discourse analysis that still lacks the attention of language enthusiasts and learners.

Mohd Sharifudin Yusop had conducted a study entitled “Perbandingan Nilai dan Pemikiran dalam Warkah Kepada Salmi Manja karya A.Samad Said dan Warkah kepada Kanak-kanak karya Bing Xin” (A comparison of values and thought in A. Samad Said’s “A letter to Pampered Salmi” and Bing Xin’s “A letter to the children”).  The selection of the two novels was based on their similarities in terms of the quality and the authors’ childhood and youth experiences. Forty five Malays’ moral values that were documented in Virtue, Language and Culture (a book published by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage) were used as a reference. The study analyzed the authors’ thoughts based on the sociocultural aspects – the society, beliefs, language, customs, race and gender). The text analysis and the technique of categorization were used in its data analysis. The study discovered various similarities and differences in the values and thoughts in both literary texts. The invaluable findings had given some insights about the Malays and the Chinese values and culture practices. 

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study adapted Sikana, M’s textualism theory that combines text and ideas. Based on this theory, the literary work will be interpreted analytically and critically before setting the work to the top of its idealism. This theory emphasizes the element of trust. Every author is believed to have the dynamics of authorship that encourages an author to produce high-quality literary work. Disparities and novelty would determine the quality as well as uplift the standard of a piece of literary. Among the principles found in Textualism is presence.

4. DISCUSSION

4.1 The Principle of Presence

Good ideas and rich experiences may form a writer’s identity and also inspire high quality piece of writing. The sources of the ideas and resources of the experiences are very essential and invaluable. The sources of ideas can be obtained and generated through various methods according to the circumstances of the situations while the sources of experiences can be gained through the author's own experience or from events occurring around him. All these resources can be retrieved through readings, observations and narratives based on some situations such as political turmoil, economic turmoil or instability, social movement, religious development, cultural establishment and preservation. "... the meaning of a text takes a process that is termed as the presence ..." (Sikana, 2013 ).

Anything that enters or passes through the author's thoughts will be considered as elements of presence. The intended elements are like imaginations, memories, memories, quotes, migrations and influences. As long as these elements exist to the author and the audience, these elements are said to be present.

The principle of presence is also regarded as a continuous process. This principle of presence can occur intentionally or inadvertently. This principle consists of several processes namely the text selection, the balance between content and the technique for accuracy of messages in the text that need to be communicated and re-defined.

Text selection is a process that involves the authors' participation in selecting suitable and relevant experiences to produce literary work. After the selection, these experiences need to be consolidated and aligned so that the story delivered reaches a balance between the content and the used technique. The balance between the content and the technique would determine the accuracy of the message, the intellectual strength, and the sharpness of the author's mind that would eventually put the text at a superior level or vice versa.

This study will examine the element of presence in indie literary work. The work depicted a story that described about what was happening in today’s society in conformity with the principle of presence. In Malays culture, black magic is referred to as the unseen knowledge used to overthrow others for self-interest. Black magic involves practices that are closely related to bad spirits or demons. According to the Islamic pious, the practice of such knowledge is very sinful. Thus, any form of magic is strictly prohibited.

 "That’s the problem! The girl is playing with black magic. This is hard. We could be killed by her black magic! It’s very dangerous! You do know how powerful her black magic really is! Ashh! Asfam mumbled. True. Pual’s black magic is indeed powerful. Anyone can be destroyed by her black magic.                                                                                          (2016:10)

According to Din (2016 ). When a person befriends a satan to the extent that he is able to perform witchcrafts, he is actually making a faithful promise and a solemn oath that cannot be violated with the satan. A breach of promise will lead to disasters or danger (this is where people are deceived and misguided). Satan who becomes a human’s friend will receive his friend’s order.

In the Qur'an Surah Al Baqarah verse 169 Allah says:

The devil simply orders you to do evil and shame, and to say to Allah what you do not know.

This novel is about a mother who had violated God's command and eventually turned into a pig. The community had made some assumptions of Pual’s practicing black magic.

I must go! There are many missions that I need to complete. Goodbye PIG!!! Hahahhaha ..." She eventually disappeared, leaving Pual alone in the bed. For a moment, Pual felt a little bit awkward. Suddenly she felt a sense of realization. (2016: 27)

There are various types of plot narration in this indie novel. Among them are advice writing, travel notes, diary entries, rebellion, sarcasm, jokes, martial arts, and opposition. In addition, there is also an element of advice that coincides with the principle of presence in the theory of textualism - narrative based on several situations. The author uses the element of advice in the narration.

What the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said is true. Defamation of a woman is very dangerous. It can destroy a country. That's why God sent a sentence in his holy book. Defamation is a greater sin than a murder.                                                                                  (2016: 45)

Advising a friend to respect a mother who has raised a child is considered as a good attribute in this novel. In fact, in Islam, valuing a person who has sacrificed oneself to raise a child (especially our own mother) is very much demanded. 

“Leman ... Try to appreciate what your mother has done for you. Although you feel that she had committed sins, at least she had tried hard enough to raise you.”  (2016: 59)

According to Othman (2000 ) humans are urged to think creatively as an alternative to widen his ideas. Thus it is found that the style of narration in this novel coincided with the principle of presence. It was found that this work had presented a lot of good issues. However, it also embedded a negative issue in order to increase the readers’ and society’s realization on the importance of rational thinking.

"Do not forget God, Leman. If you always want me to be there with you ... ".  Azmi said softly while smiling beautifully. Leman feels weird. But his anxiety and love conquers all (2016: 50).
The presentation of indie works was very simple and this is similar with the Malay Language. One of the reasons is because this work was relatively independent and it was not bound by any condition. Hence the use of regional languages ​​was widely used in this literary work.

"What if you take over this night club? Who knows, you might be rich, Leman”. Azmi said as soon as they entered Pual's room. This is the second time Leman was there. But, he was still stunned with the luxury of the room.

"You are crazy. Do you know that working here is sinful?” You will not be blessed. You will be thrown to Hell and be tortured! I’m scared!" (2016: 67)

Zain (2015 ) explains that creativity, innovation and renewal in any of correspondence lie in the author's hand. In accordance with the principle of presence, anything that enters or crosses in the author's thoughts is considered as the element of presence. Thus, this indie novel was free from being bounded by rules and due to this the story plot was filled with free pros and cons of narration.

"O young man. Why are you expecting too much from me? Why are you relaying me? Why don’t you rely on God. I certainly can’t help you. I am also a servant of God like you. The only difference is that I'm not His best creation. That is why you can only hear my voice but can’t see me with your eyesight" The voice continued.  (2016: 230)

Experience, observation and surrounding are ideas that can be combined collectively when producing indie literary work. This novel clearly demonstrated that the process of narration itself is full of obstacles and readers should realize that behind every event there is always a good vista.

"God deliberately does not eliminate our descendants because he believes his servant is able to fight us. If you really believe in Him, then it is very difficult for us to seduce and mislead you. But ... you ?!  You are full of lust. Overly think of the world! Remember, this world is only temporary and we can make bad things look great in the human eyes so that humans would follow our footsteps to the branches of hell”. (2016: 26).

"Throw away your fear because the feeling comes from the devil. This creature always whispers fears and bad words. This creature will never be tired of inciting you to be evil-minded to your God ... "

"Hasbunallah wa ni'mal wakil ..." Leman said and at that moment he felt like there was a force permeated his body. And it was trying to suffocate his body and his heart (2016: 278).

      This work is a platform for new and creative writers. Its accurate message and intellectual strength allow this work to be a useful exemplar. Its images and memories strengthen better understanding of life. Its underlying message is to be obedient to Allah and proportionate punishments await any sinners.

5. CONCLUSION

In this indie novel, its plot is developed in a spontaneous manner and its development is beyond the reach of mind thrust. This novel had illustrated a tragic transformation of a mother from a human form into a pig and later transformed back into a human form after going through many obstacles and tragedies. This tragic transformation is hoped to raise people’s consciousness and conviction to all Islamic teachings and practices. Its plot had fulfilled the principle of presence in the theory of textualism. Apart from that, the author was also bold in expressing his complex ideas and his pattern of thoughts. Besides that, the author had successfully delivered an invaluable message to its readers - every wrongdoing will be severely punished and he was also effective in educating people to return to the right path of Allah SWT. This indie novel started drastically with violent and abusive aspects but it ended with a lot of moral elements and good teachings. Such style of writing is now becoming the latest trend of novels writing.

Funding: This Study Received No Specific Financial Support.

Competing Interests: The Authors Declare That They Have No Competing Interests.

Contributors/Acknowledgement: All Authors Contributed Equally To The Conception And Design Of The Study.

REFERENCES

Affendi, N.M.N.R., 2005. The storytelling thoughts and techniques in novel literary components in the Malay language subject. Unpublished Thesis Doctor of Philosophy. Serdang: Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Azmee, N.N., 2014. Women's image in the works of selected male writers history of Malay literature. (2006). Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Din, H., 2016. Method of caring for Selangor: PTS Publications & Dributortors Sdn. Bhd.

Majul, M.A.M., 2017. Sexuality, class and family in children’s short stories after Edsa II. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2): 15-28.View at Google Scholar 

Mustafa, M., 2006. Thought in Khadijah Hashim's novels. Master Thesis The Unpublished Literature. Serdang: Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Othman, H., 2000. Creativity in the creation of literary works. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Sikana, M., 2013. Literature of theory of literature. Selangor: Library of Works.

Zain, B., 2015. Upholding Malay literature. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.