Max Havelaar by Multatuli

Max Havelaar

Max Havelaar is a famous novel by Eduard Douwes Dekker, writing under the pen name Multatuli. It was published on August 29, 1860, and has since been considered a landmark work in both the Netherlands and Indonesia. The book presents a satirical critique of the colonial government, particularly its exploitation of Indonesian laborers and their lands.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around the lives of several characters, including Max Havelaar, who later becomes a coffee plantation owner in Java after serving as a civil servant. He takes great care to adhere to European morals while tending his estate. As he grows more concerned with abuse toward the Java island's native people, he decides to return all his possessions to the state.

In the end, Max sells his plantations and returns home to Europe, leaving behind his wife and two children. His life in Java shaped him significantly; he had become disillusioned with civil service, and "the wretchedness he saw there led him to a radical rejection of everything it stood for".

Impact on Dutch Literature

Max Havelaar played a significant role in shaping the Dutch literary landscape. As the first major anti-colonial text, it sparked a wave of intellectual curiosity surrounding the colonies. Its influence can be seen throughout Dutch society and culture, as well as in other works of fiction such as Louis Couperus' De Stille Kracht (The Quiet Strength).

Ideas and Philosophy of Multatuli

Multatuli's work was deeply rooted in the philosophy of humanism. He advocated for the rights of oppressed individuals, especially those in the Indonesian colonies, who were subjected to exploitation and mistreatment. His ideas were not limited to colonial issues; he also criticized the political climate in the Netherlands, arguing that the country's democratic institutions were flawed.

Humanist Values

Humanism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes human potential and dignity, is at the core of Multatuli's work. He believed that every individual, regardless of their race, class, or cultural background, deserved respect, and that all people were capable of growth and self-improvement.

Social Justice

The protagonist of Max Havelaar, Max, fights for social justice, which he believes is necessary to achieve a morally right society. He sacrifices his family, wealth, and even his life to defend his beliefs, illustrating his commitment to his cause.

Life and Background of Multatuli

Eduard Douwes Dekker, born on May 14, 1820, in Leiden, was the son of a wealthy family. His father was a textile manufacturer, and he had four brothers and a sister. Despite his privileged upbringing, Douwes Dekker was drawn to the idea of social justice and equality.

Education

He attended several schools, including the HBS in The Hague and the University of Leiden, where he studied philosophy. However, he did not complete his education due to a lack of interest and a desire to pursue other passions.

Career

Douwes Dekker joined the Dutch civil service in 1843 and was sent to Java as a military clerk in 1845. He lived in the Netherlands Indies for nearly 13 years, where he served in various capacities, including as a land surveyor, an inspector of public works, and a colonial recorder.

Personal Life

While in Java, he married a Dutch woman, Anna Maria van der Veen, and they had two children together. In the novel, Max Havelaar's wife is named Regina Wielenga, but she is based on Douwes Dekker's own wife.

Douwes Dekker's life took a dramatic turn when he was dismissed from his position for criticizing the colonial government's policies, particularly its treatment of the native population. This experience significantly influenced his writing and led him to adopt the pen name Multatuli, which means "I endure all things" in Latin.

He wrote Max Havelaar in 1860 and returned to the Netherlands, where he continued to write and publish several other works before passing away on September 28, 1887.