The History and Meaning of Merantau Ke Deli: Hamka's Novel of Identity and Change

Merantau Ke Deli Ebook Downloadl: A Review of Hamka's Classic Novel

If you are looking for a captivating and inspiring novel that will take you on a journey through history, culture, and spirituality, then you should download and read Merantau Ke Deli by Hamka. This book is a masterpiece of Indonesian literature that tells the story of a young man who leaves his hometown in West Sumatra to seek a better life in Deli, a prosperous region in North Sumatra that was famous for its tobacco plantations in the early 20th century. Along the way, he faces many challenges and opportunities, as well as love and loss, as he tries to find his place in a new and changing world.

Merantau Ke Deli Ebook Downloadl

In this article, we will give you a brief overview of what Merantau Ke Deli is about, who wrote it, and why it is still relevant and interesting for readers today. We will also summarize the main plot points, characters, and themes of the book, as well as analyze its strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we will conclude with some recommendations on why you should download and read this ebook today.

What is Merantau Ke Deli and who is the author?

Merantau Ke Deli is a novel written by Hamka, one of the most influential and prolific writers in Indonesia. Hamka was born in 1908 in West Sumatra, where he grew up in a religious family that taught him about Islam and Malay culture. He became a journalist, teacher, scholar, activist, politician, and preacher, as well as a novelist. He wrote more than 100 books on various topics, such as history, philosophy, theology, sociology, politics, and literature. He was also involved in several movements for Indonesian independence and social reform. He died in 1981 at the age of 73.

Merantau Ke Deli was first published in 1939 as a serial in Pedoman Masyarakat magazine. It was later compiled into a book in 1940. The title means "Migrating to Deli" in Minangkabau language, which is spoken by Hamka's ethnic group. The term "merantau" refers to a tradition among Minangkabau people to leave their hometowns and travel to other places to seek education, work, or adventure. The novel is based on Hamka's own experience of merantau to Deli when he was young.

The main theme and message of Merantau Ke Deli is to show how migration can affect one's identity, values, beliefs, and relationships. The novel also reflects Hamka's views on Islam, Malay culture, colonialism, modernity, and social change. The novel is considered to be one of the best examples of Indonesian realism, as it depicts the realistic and complex situations and characters that the author encountered in his life.

Merantau Ke Deli is relevant and interesting for readers today because it offers a glimpse into a historical and cultural period that is often overlooked or forgotten. The novel also raises important questions about how to balance one's roots and aspirations, how to deal with diversity and conflict, and how to find meaning and purpose in life. The novel is also a testament to Hamka's talent and vision as a writer who could create a captivating and inspiring story that transcends time and place.

Summary of the book

Merantau Ke Deli follows the life of Zainuddin, a young man who leaves his hometown in West Sumatra to seek a better life in Deli. The book is divided into four parts, each covering a different stage of his journey.

Part One: Leaving Home

The book begins with Zainuddin's decision to leave his home village of Padang Panjang. He is unhappy with his life there, as he feels that he has no future or opportunities. He wants to pursue his education and career, as well as see the world. He is also influenced by his uncle, Datuk Meringgih, who is a wealthy and powerful businessman in Deli. Datuk Meringgih invites Zainuddin to join him in Deli and promises to help him achieve his dreams.

Zainuddin's parents are reluctant to let him go, as they are worried about his safety and well-being. They also want him to stay close to his family and culture. However, they eventually agree to let him go, after Zainuddin convinces them that he will return someday. Zainuddin also bids farewell to his childhood friends, especially Siti Rahayu, a girl whom he loves but never confesses his feelings to.

Zainuddin then sets off on his journey, accompanied by his cousin Hasan. They travel by train, boat, and car, passing through various towns and cities along the way. They encounter many different people and situations, some friendly and some hostile. They also witness the effects of colonialism and capitalism on the people and the land. They finally arrive in Medan, the capital of Deli, where they are greeted by Datuk Meringgih.

Part Two: Living in Deli

The second part of the book describes Zainuddin's life in Deli. He lives in Datuk Meringgih's mansion, where he enjoys a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle. He also works as Datuk Meringgih's secretary, managing his business affairs and correspondence. He learns a lot from Datuk Meringgih about how to succeed in the world of commerce and politics.

Zainuddin also meets many new people in Deli, some of whom become his friends and some of whom become his enemies. He meets Rosna, Datuk Meringgih's daughter, who is beautiful and intelligent but spoiled and arrogant. He meets Maria van Enden, a Dutch woman who is kind and generous but lonely and unhappy. He meets Abdul Muluk, a journalist who is brave and idealistic but reckless and impractical. He meets Sutan Alam Shah, a prince who is noble and charismatic but proud and ambitious.

Zainuddin also experiences many events and conflicts that happen in Deli. He witnesses the exploitation and oppression of the workers by the plantation owners. He witnesses the rivalry and violence between the different ethnic groups. He witnesses the resistance and rebellion against the colonial authorities. He witnesses the emergence and spread of modern ideas and movements.

Part Three: Leaving Deli

The third part of the book narrates Zainuddin's decision to leave Deli. He becomes disillusioned with his life there, as he realizes that he has lost his identity, values, beliefs, and relationships. He feels that he has betrayed his family, culture, religion, and nation. He feels that he has been corrupted by money, power, fame, and lust.

Part Four: Returning Home

The fourth and final part of the book narrates Zainuddin's return to his hometown in West Sumatra. He decides to leave Deli after he breaks up with Maria van Enden, who chooses to stay with her husband. He also realizes that he has no future or friends in Deli, as he has alienated himself from everyone. He feels that he has nothing left to lose or gain in Deli.

Zainuddin travels back to his home village by the same route that he took when he left. He retraces his steps and memories, reflecting on his life and choices. He also encounters some of the people and places that he met and visited before, noticing how they have changed or remained the same. He finally arrives in Padang Panjang, where he is welcomed by his parents and relatives.

Zainuddin tries to adjust to his old life, but he finds it difficult and painful. He feels that he does not belong there anymore, as he has changed too much. He feels that he has lost his identity and purpose, as he does not know who he is or what he wants. He feels that he has wasted his life and talents, as he has achieved nothing and learned nothing. He feels that he has no hope or happiness, as he has no love or faith.

Zainuddin also tries to reconnect with Siti Rahayu, whom he still loves but who has married someone else. He hopes that she still loves him too, but he is disappointed and hurt when he learns that she does not. He realizes that he has missed his chance with her, and that he has no right to interfere with her life. He accepts that she is happy with her husband and children, and that he should let her go.

The book ends with Zainuddin's death. He dies of a fever, alone and miserable, in his old house. His parents and relatives mourn for him, but they do not understand him or his life. They bury him in the village cemetery, where his grave is soon forgotten.

Analysis of the book

Merantau Ke Deli is a novel that has many strengths and weaknesses. It is a novel that portrays the historical and cultural context of Deli in the early 20th century, as well as explores the themes of migration, identity, religion, and social change. It is also a novel that uses various literary devices and techniques to convey its message.

Strengths

One of the strengths of Merantau Ke Deli is its realism. The novel depicts the realistic and complex situations and characters that Hamka encountered in his life. The novel shows the diversity and conflict of Deli, as well as the challenges and opportunities of migration. The novel also shows the effects of colonialism and capitalism on the people and the land.

Another strength of Merantau Ke Deli is its message. The novel conveys Hamka's views on Islam, Malay culture, colonialism, modernity, and social change. The novel criticizes the exploitation and oppression of the workers by the plantation owners. The novel supports the resistance and rebellion against the colonial authorities. The novel advocates for the preservation and promotion of Islam and Malay culture.

A third strength of Merantau Ke Deli is its style. The novel uses various literary devices and techniques to convey its message. The novel uses symbolism, such as the contrast between light and darkness, fire and water, gold and mud, etc., to represent the different aspects of life in Deli. The novel uses irony, such as the reversal of fortune, expectation, and outcome for the characters, to show the unpredictability and irony of life in Deli. The novel uses dialogue, narration, description, flashback, foreshadowing, etc., to create a captivating and engaging story.

Weaknesses

One of the weaknesses of Merantau Ke Deli is its didacticism. The novel sometimes becomes too preachy and moralistic in delivering its message. The novel sometimes sacrifices the development and depth of the characters and plot for the sake of conveying its message. The novel sometimes becomes too biased and one-sided in presenting its views.

Another weakness of Merantau Ke Deli is its length. The novel is too long and repetitive in some parts. The novel could have been shorter and more concise without losing its essence and impact. The novel could have been more focused and organized in its structure and flow.

A third weakness of Merantau Ke Deli is its ending. The novel ends with a tragic and pessimistic tone, which may not appeal to some readers. The novel does not offer any hope or resolution for the main character or the main issues. The novel does not show any growth or change for the main character or the main issues.

Conclusion

Merantau Ke Deli is a novel that is worth downloading and reading. It is a novel that offers a glimpse into a historical and cultural period that is often overlooked or forgotten. It is a novel that raises important questions about how to balance one's roots and aspirations, how to deal with diversity and conflict, and how to find meaning and purpose in life. It is also a novel that showcases Hamka's talent and vision as a writer who could create a captivating and inspiring story that transcends time and place.

Here are some of the main takeaways and lessons from Merantau Ke Deli:

- Migration can be a rewarding and challenging experience, but it can also affect one's identity, values, beliefs, and relationships. - One should be careful not to lose one's roots and culture, but also not to reject or resist the new and different. - One should be aware of the historical and social context of one's time and place, and how it affects one's life and choices. - One should be critical of the injustices and inequalities that exist in the world, and strive to change them for the better. - One should be faithful to one's religion and principles, but also open to other perspectives and opinions. - One should be humble and grateful for what one has, but also ambitious and determined to achieve what one wants. - One should be honest and loyal to oneself and others, but also flexible and adaptable to different situations. - One should be respectful and compassionate to everyone, regardless of their race, class, gender, or religion. - One should be courageous and adventurous in exploring the world, but also cautious and prudent in facing the risks. - One should be optimistic and hopeful for the future, but also realistic and prepared for the challenges. FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Merantau Ke Deli:

Where can readers download the ebook version of Merantau Ke Deli?

Readers can download the ebook version of Merantau Ke Deli from various online platforms, such as Google Play Books, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, etc. Readers can also find free PDF versions of Merantau Ke Deli on some websites, such as Open Library, Archive.org, etc.

How long is the book and how many chapters does it have?

The book is about 180 pages long and has 25 chapters. Each chapter has a title that summarizes its main content.

Is Merantau Ke Deli based on a true story or a fictional one?

Merantau Ke Deli is based on a fictional story, but it is inspired by Hamka's own experience of migrating to Deli when he was young. Hamka also used his knowledge and research on the history and culture of Deli to create a realistic setting and background for his story.

Who are some of the other famous authors from Indonesia that readers might enjoy?

Some of the other famous authors from Indonesia that readers might enjoy are Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Chairil Anwar, R.A. Kartini, Mochtar Lubis, Ahmad Tohari, Andrea Hirata, Eka Kurniawan, Dewi Lestari, etc.

What are some of the other books by Hamka that readers might like?

Some of the other books by Hamka that readers might like are Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck (The Sinking of Van Der Wijck), Di Bawah Lindungan Ka'bah (Under the Protection of Ka'bah), Ayahku (My Father), Kenang-Kenangan Hidup (Memories of Life), Falsafah Hidup (Philosophy of Life), Tafsir Al-Azhar (The Al-Azhar Interpretation), etc. 71b2f0854b