Magical Realism in Eka Kurniawan’s Lelaki Harimau

Abstract

This article focuses on the composition techniques of magical realism in the novel Lelaki Harimau by Eka Kurniawan. The author uses three techniques to present three events in the novel. First, Margio fighting with the White Tiger is a symbol of the local culture that has an influence over modern conditions. Second, Mameh seeing the shadow and the eyes of the tiger in Margio is a symbol of the old culture that has an influence over the new culture. Third, Margio killing Anwar Sadaat is a symbol of the indigenous people who oppose invaders. Two characters, Margio and the white tiger, are symbols respectively of the successors of the indigenous culture and the indigenous ancestors. The scene at the Gorma bin Sueb Grave is a symbol of a land that does not welcome outsiders. Furthermore, two specific ideas presented through magical realism were also found. The idea of Indonesian locality is represented by the Siliwaggi tiger statue Leeled samak and the Sumatran tales that symbolize locality. Then there are the ideas of cultural, social and historical countermeasures including the ancestors of the city and Ma Rabiah that represent local history. Moreover, Nuraini and the kitchen offer a hiding space for women in modern Indonesian society. Finally, cocoa plantations and samurai swords represent colonial invasion.