INTERPLAY OF MEMORY AND HISTORY
IN THE POETRY OF
EE TIANG HONG AND EDWIN THUMBOO:
A COMPARATIVE STUDY
BY
NUR SHEENA BINTI BAHARUDIN
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY
MALAYSIA
2008
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this thesis is to compare and critically analyse selected works by two
significant modern South East Asian writers i.e. the late Malaysian poet Ee Tiang
Hong (1933-1990) and the Singaporean poet Edwin Thumboo (1933- ) from the
postcolonial literary theory standpoint. Focusing on selected poems that were
published from 1970 to 1980, this study offers a critical exploration of the influence of
history and memory in defining the poets’ personal and national identity. Ee Tiang
Hong and Edwin Thumboo both experienced colonialisation under the British ruling
and later the process of decolonialisation yet despite having similar social background,
the poetry of the Peranakan Ee Tiang Hong differs distinctively from the works of
Edwin Thumboo. While Ee Tiang Hong’s poems possess a strong sense of loss and
disconnection from his country, Thumboo’s poems profess his role as a committed
Singaporean. These differences are not only due to factors such as personal
experiences, history, and culture but also in how the poets reconstruct their identity
based on their personal memory and the cultural memory of their nation. An overview
of the central themes in the selected poems therefore addresses the distinctive
characteristics between the two poets, particularly in their search for balance between
constructing a valid sense of history and affirming the poets’ own memories of the
past. It also considers the poets’ use of poetical devices including imagery, metaphor,
symbolism, diction, word choice and tone in their poems.
ii
‫ﻣﻠﺨﺺ اﻟﺒﺤﺚ‬
‫ﺗﻬﺪف اﻟﺪراﺳﺔ إﻟﻰ ﺗﺤﻠﻴﻞ أﻋﻤﺎل ﻣﺨﺘﺎرة ﻷدﻳﺒﻴﻦ ﻣﻌﺎﺻﺮﻳﻦ ﻣﻦ أدﺑﺎء ﺟﻨﻮب ﺷﺮق ﺁﺳﻴﺎ؛ هﻤﺎ اﻟﺸﺎﻋﺮ اﻟﻤﺎﻟﻴﺰي‬
‫اﻟﺮاﺣﻞ إي ﺗﻴﺎﻧﻎ هﻮﻧﻎ )‪1990-1933‬م(‪ ،‬واﻟﺸﺎﻋﺮ اﻟﺴﻨﻐﺎﻓﻮري إدوﻳﻦ ﺛﺎﻣﺒﻮ )‪1933‬م‪ (...-‬ﺑﻌﻘﺪ ﻣﻘﺎرﻧﺔ ﺑﻴﻨﻬﻤﺎ ﻣﻦ‬
‫ﻣﻨﻈﺎر ﻧﻈﺮﻳﺔ أدب ﻣﺎ ﺑﻌﺪ اﻻﺳﺘﻌﻤﺎر‪ .‬وﺗﻜﺸﻒ اﻟﺪراﺳﺔ أﺛﺮ اﻟﺘﺎرﻳﺦ واﻟﺬاآﺮة ﻓﻲ ﺗﺤﺪﻳﺪ اﻟﻬﻮﻳﺔ اﻟﺸﻌﺮﻳﺔ اﻟﺬاﺗﻴﺔ‬
‫ﺸﺮت ﻓﻲ اﻟﺴﺒﻌﻴﻨﺎت ﻣﻦ اﻟﻘﺮن اﻟﻌﺸﺮﻳﻦ‪ .‬ﻓﻌﻠﻰ اﻟﺮﻏﻢ ﻣﻦ أن آﻼ اﻟﺸﺎﻋﺮﻳﻦ ﻗﺪ‬
‫واﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ ﻣﻦ ﺧﻼل ﻗﺼﺎﺋﺪ ﻣﺨﺘﺎرة ُﻧ ِ‬
‫ﺧﺎﺿﺎ ﺗﺠﺮﺑﺘﻲ اﻻﺳﺘﻌﻤﺎر اﻟﺒﺮﻳﻄﺎﻧﻲ وﺣﺮآﺔ اﻟﺘﺤﺮﻳﺮ اﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ؛ وﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺮﻏﻢ ﻣﻦ ﺗﺸﺎﺑﻪ ﺧﻠﻔﻴﺘﻬﻤﺎ اﻻﺟﺘﻤﺎﻋﻴﺔ إﻟﻰ ﺣﺪ‬
‫آﺒﻴﺮ؛ ﺗﺨﺘﻠﻒ ﻗﺼﻴﺪة )اﻟﻮﻻدة( ﻟـ )إي ﺗﻴﺎﻧﻎ هﻮﻧﻎ( ﺑﻮﺿﻮح ﻋﻦ أﻋﻤﺎل )إدوﻳﻦ ﺛﺎﻣﺒﻮ(‪ .‬ﻓﺒﻴﻨﻤﺎ ﺗﻌﺒّﺮ ﻗﺼﺎﺋﺪ )إي ﺗﻴﺎﻧﻎ‬
‫هﻮﻧﻎ( ﻋﻦ اﻟﺸﻌﻮر ﺑﺎﻟﻀﻴﺎع واﻻﻧﻘﻄﺎع ﻋﻦ اﻟﻮﻃﻦ‪ ،‬ﺗُﻔﺼِﺢ ﻗﺼﺎﺋﺪ )ﺛﺎﻣﺒﻮ( ﻋﻦ اﻧﺘﻤﺎﺋﻪ اﻟﻮﻃﻨﻲ‪ .‬وﻻ ﺗﺮﺟﻊ اﻟﻤﻔﺎرﻗﺔ‬
‫ﺑﻴﻨﻬﻤﺎ إﻟﻰ ﻋﻮاﻣﻞ اﻟﺨﺒﺮات اﻟﺸﺨﺼﻴﺔ واﻟﺘﺎرﻳﺦ واﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﺔ ﻓﺤﺴﺐ؛ وإﻧﻤﺎ ﻳَﻌﻜﺲ ﻟﻨﺎ ﺑﻨﺎء اﻟﻘﺼﻴﺪة اﺧﺘﻼف اﻟﻬﻮﻳﺔ‬
‫اﻟﺸﺨﺼﻴﺔ ﺗﺒ ًﻌﺎ ﻻﺧﺘﻼف اﻟﺬاآﺮة اﻟﺸﺨﺼﻴﺔ واﻟﺠﻤﻌﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﺸﻌﻮب‪ .‬إن اﻟﻨﻈﺮة اﻟﻔﺎﺣﺼﺔ ﺗﺠﺎﻩ اﻟﻤﻮﺿﻮﻋﺎت اﻟﻤﺤﻮرﻳﺔ‬
‫ﻓﻲ اﻟﻘﺼﺎﺋﺪ اﻟﻤﺨﺘﺎرة ﺗﺆآﺪ ﺗﻤﺎﻳﺰ اﻷدﻳﺒﻴﻦ ﻓﻲ ﺳﻌﻴﻬﻢ ﻟﻠﻤﻮازﻧﺔ ﺑﻴﻦ ﺗﻘﺮﻳﺮ اﻟﺤﻘﺎﺋﻖ اﻟﺘﺎرﻳﺨﻴﺔ‪ ،‬واﻟﺒﻮح ﻋﻦ اﻟﺬآﺮﻳﺎت‬
‫اﻟﺸﺨﺼﻴﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﺎﺿﻲ؛ وﺗﻘﻒ اﻟﺪراﺳﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻮﻇﻴﻒ اﻟﺸﺎﻋﺮﻳﻦ ﻟﻸدوات اﻟﺸﻌﺮﻳﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﺠﺎز واﻻﺳﺘﻌﺎرة واﻟﺮﻣﺰ‬
‫واﻟﺼﻮر اﻟﺒﻴﺎﻧﻴﺔ واﺧﺘﻴﺎر اﻷﻟﻔﺎظ واﻹﻳﻘﺎع ﻓﻲ أﺷﻌﺎرهﻤﺎ‪.‬‬
‫‪iii‬‬
APPROVAL PAGE
I certify that I have supervised and read this study and that in my opinion, it conforms
to acceptable standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and
quality, as a dissertation for the degree of Master of Human Sciences (English Literary
Studies).
…………………………………..
M.A. Quayum Abdussalam
Supervisor
I certify that I have read this study and that in my opinion, it conforms to acceptable
standards of scholarly presentation and is fully adequate, in scope and quality, as a
dissertation for the degree of Master of Human Sciences (English Literary Studies).
…………………………………..
Nor Faridah Abdul Manaf
Examiner
This dissertation was submitted to the Department of English Language and Literature
and is accepted as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of
Human Sciences (English Literary Studies).
…………………………………..
M.A. Quayum Abdussalam
Head, Department of English
Language and Literature
This dissertation was submitted to the Kulliyyah of Human Sciences and is accepted
as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Human Sciences
(English Literary Studies).
…………………………………..
Hazizan Md. Noon
Dean, Kulliyyah of Islamic
Revealed Knowledge and Human
Sciences (KIRKHS)
iv
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this dissertation is the result of my own investigations, except
where otherwise stated. I also declare that it has not been previously or concurrently
submitted as a whole for any other degrees at IIUM or other institutions.
Nur Sheena Binti Baharudin
Signature…………………………..
Date ………………………..........
v
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA
DECLARATION OF COPYRIGHT AND AFFIRMATION
OF FAIR USE OF UNPUBLISHED RESEARCH
Copyright © 2008 Nur Sheena Binti Baharudin. All rights reserved.
INTERPLAY OF MEMORY AND HISTORY IN THE POETRY OF
EE TIANG HONG AND EDWIN THUMBOO: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
No part of this unpublished research may be reproduced, stored in retrieval
system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of the
copyright holder except as provided below.
1.
Any material contained in or derived from this unpublished research
may only be used by others in their writing with due acknowledgment.
2.
IIUM or its library will have the right to make and transmit copies
(print or electronic) for institutional and academic purposes.
3.
The IIUM library will have the right to make, store in a retrieval and
supply copies of this unpublished research if requested by other
universities and research libraries.
Affirmed by Nur Sheena Binti Baharudin
………………………….
Signature
…………………
Date
vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, all praises to Allah (S.W.T.) the Great Knower, Seer and Listener for all the
good blessings He has granted me. I thank my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Mohammad
Abdul Quayum Abdus Salam, for many insightful conversations, helpful comments
and guiding motivations during the development of the dissertation. I thank my
parents who believed in my potentials. They taught me that flaws can be corrected,
mistakes can either lead to self improvement or vice versa, and that success comes
only with patience, hard work and faith in God. Last but not least, I thank Assoc. Prof.
Dr. Nor Faridah Abdul Manaf, Prof. Ahmed Ibrahim Abu Shouk and Prof. Hassan
Ahmed Ibrahim for their generous and kind assistance through out the final stages of
the dissertation.
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………….. ii
Abstract in Arabic………………………………………………………………….. iii
Approval Page ……………………………………………………………………... iv
Declaration Page…………………………………………………………………… v
Copyright Page……………………………………………………………………...vi
Dedication………………………………………………………………………….. vii
Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………… viii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study……………….………………………………..1
1.2 Statement of Problem……………………………………………………3
1.3 Objectives of the Study………………………………………………….5
1.4 Significance of the Study………………………………………………..6
1.5 Scope of the Study…………………………………………………….... 7
1.6 Literature Review………………………………………………………. 8
1.6.1 Theoretical Framework ……………..……………………………. 9
1.7 Methodology………….…………………………………………………11
1.8 Limitations of the Study…….………………………………………….. 12
1.9 Organisation of Chapters……………………………………………….. 13
1.10 Conclusion…………………………………………………………….. 14
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Postcolonialism on Memory and History………………………………. 15
2.2 Frantz Fanon……………………………………………………………. 18
2.3 Ranajit Guha……………………………………………………………. 21
2.4 Benedict Anderson………………………………………………………22
2.5 Nicola King……………………………………………………………...25
2.6 Barnor Hesse…………………………………………………………….29
2.7 Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Griffiths and Hellen Tiffin………………………. 31
2.8 P.J. Stewart and A. Strathern…………………………………………… 33
2.9 Islam on Memory and History………...………………………………... 34
CHAPTER THREE
3.1 Ee Tiang Hong’s Lines Written in Hawaii………………….………….. 39
3.1.1 “Thinking of My Return Flight”………………………………….. 42
3.1.2 “Dejection”……………………………………………………….. 46
3.1.3 “Epitaph”…..……………………………………………………... 49
3.2 Edwin Thumboo’s Gods Can Die ……………………………………... 53
3.2.1 “9th of August – I”………………………………………………… 55
3.2.2 “9th of August – II”'…………………………………………….….60
3.2.3 “Gods Can Die”…………………………………………………... 62
ix
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Ee Tiang Hong’s Myths for a Wilderness………………………………. 69
4.1.1 “Heeren Street, Malacca”…………………………………………. 71
4.1.2 “Patriotism”……………………………………………………….. 75
4.1.3 “Requiem”....…………………… …………………………………81
4.2 Edwin Thumboo’s Ulysses by the Merlion…………………………….. 84
4.2.1 “Island”……………………………………………………………. 86
4.2.2 “Ulysses by the Merlion”…………………………………………. 90
4.2.3 “RELC”……………………………………………………………. 95
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Summary of Poems………..…………………………………………….103
5.2 Comparing The Two Poets…………………………………………....... 104
5.2.1 Children of Malaya………………………………………….......... 104
5.2.2 The Role of English after the British Colonialisation……………..109
5.3 Conclusions and Recommendations……………………………………. 112
BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………… 115
x
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The contemporary study of the human mind or more specifically the psychological
phenomenon known as memory is an area currently gaining popularity. The subject
and function of memory themselves have been applied in various disciplines including
the field of postcolonialism. Although there hasn’t been any unanimously agreed upon
theory of postcolonial memory, it is a well accepted knowledge that memory is an
essential element in the construction of one’s identity. As important as history is to the
development of a nation, memory functions similarly to the positive development of
an individual.
The study of memory in the writings of South East Asian literature in English
is still a new phenomenon. Using postcolonial literary theory as the main tool in my
thesis, I choose to study the literature of Malaysia and Singapore in English based on
two reasons. Firstly, these two countries share a similar history where they were a
unified nation during the Johor Sultanate considering the geographical proximity. This
proximity continued to influence a similar early development of poetry writing in
English shared in both colonies not only during the British colonial rulings but later
during the process of decolonisation. Secondly, two poets namely Ee Tiang Hong and
Edwin Thumboo are two excellent poets who made a strong impression in their
countries due to their passion for poetry, their distinctive personalities and their love
for the land they were born and raised in.
1
It is fascinating how two men, who knew each other and experienced similar
events from the 1960s to the 1970s, began writing poetry on themes that differ and in
tones that set each other apart from 1970. While Edwin Thumboo embraced his
identity as a Singaporean and assumed his responsibilities as a poet of the nation, the
“Peranakan” Ee Tiang Hong struggled with the undercurrents of Malaysian political
and racial policies and soon became a Malaysian poet in exile, leaving behind his
homeland.
Ee Tiang Hong’s sadness, sense of displacement and dejection soon permeated
his poetry with remembrances of his country and the past. Thumboo on the other
hand, believed in the importance of poetry in nation building and adopted
remembrances in his efforts to build a unified Singapore. These apparent changes that
took place in these two countries have affected the poets in ways that can be read
within the lines of their poems. By assuming that the activities in the two countries
have indeed indelibly affected the poets’ identities or their sense of self, this thesis
attempts to discover and analyse the interaction between the poet’s personal memory
and his country’s national history.
There is a wide range of resource that allows me to have a thorough reading of
the poems, and understand how the poets use poetical devices to express their
thoughts and emotional output. Their personal memories of important historical events
have shaped their outlook on many social and political issues, as reflected in the
selected poems selected from Ee’s Lines Written in Hawaii (1973) and Myths for a
Wilderness (1976), and Thumboo’s Gods Can Die (1977) and Ulysses by the Merlion
(1979). These poems were intentionally selected from poetry collections published
from 1970 to 1980 as both poets have actively published two volumes of poetry within
these ten years, and both still freshly affected by the separation of Singapore in 1965
2
and the later racial riots in 1969. Hence, this thesis suggests that the poems written
during this time are poetical remembrances of the events that took place in their lives
and later helped developed their sense of identity.
1.2
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
I intend to conduct a research on the relationship shared between history and memory
and how they affect the creative works of Ee Tiang Hong and Edwin Thumboo. This
is a worthy area of research due to the current lack of comparative studies on writers
from these two countries, known previously as Malaya. At the same time, a fresh new
perspective and reading of their works using the theme of memory and identity as
guidelines will offer a better critical appreciation on the study of MalaysianSingaporean literature within the context of post-colonial studies.
My thesis will focus on the literary contributions of Ee Tiang Hong and Edwin
Thumboo in South East Asian literary discourse. In the thesis, I will focus on the
interplay between history and memory, and will provide reference to both writers by
quoting the selected poems that were written by Ee and Thumboo from 1970 to 1980
as means to illustrate and illuminate the points that will be presented.
Next, I will move on to the conditions of English creative writing in Malaysia
and Singapore. This is an important part of the thesis as these resources highlight the
important differences between the two countries, especially from 1965 onwards when
Singapore became an independent nation, an event that simultaneously affected the
creative expressions of Ee Tiang Hong and Edwin Thumboo.
Through there are articles and essays written by Ee and Thumboo on each
other, the writing of poetry, and also on thoughts that dealt with the situation of
writing poetry in English in their countries. This thesis will attempt to answer the
3
questions related to how such experiences shape the identity of the poets and how they
are reflected in their poetry.
The sources for my research will include published essays on the issues of
identity, nationalism and memory in post-colonial literary discourse where the
backbone of the points will be based on works written by post-colonial theorists
including Benedict Anderson and Frantz Fanon. Apart from that, I will also include
articles related to the study of South East Asian literature, specifically Malaysia and
Singapore, where the issues mentioned above are treated in the localised context.
Important publications include Singaporean literature in English: A critical reader
(2002) and Malaysian literature in English: A critical reader (2001) where various
notable writers and scholars present their discussions regarding the situation of
writings in English in the region.
Resources on Edwin Thumboo are extensive due to his unofficial position as
Singapore’s national poet laureate where interviews, articles and critical essays are
easily available. However, on the other hand, despite the fact that specific critical
works on Ee Tiang Hong and his poetry are limited, there is a commendably extensive
range of sources available to substantiate this shortcoming including essays written by
the poet himself and several critical articles that analyse his literary influence in and
contributions to Malaysia.
The target audience for this thesis will consist primarily of postcolonial,
historical, social, political and ethnic studies’ critics, researchers and readers alike.
4
1.3
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Since the significant rise of postcolonial literary theory in the 20th century, the critical
and literary appreciation of postcolonial literature continues to open up new
dimensions of themes and issues for critics and scholars to debate and discuss. In the
field of South East Asian literature, specifically those written by Malaysian and
Singaporean writers, the active discussion continues in terms of their distinctive
multicultural and polyglot nature and how their literature is affected by the on goings
in the nation. I have chosen to study and analyse the works of the late Malaysian Ee
Tiang Hong and Singaporean Edwin Thumboo in an attempt to argue that the memory
of several important events that occurred in and between the two nations continued to
haunt and shape the identity of these poets, either negatively or positively.
Substantiated by works of postcolonial critics especially on the issues of self
identity and national identity, and how memory is treated within the realm of
postcolonialism, this thesis provides an in depth understanding of the carefully
selected group of poems by Ee and Thumboo. This is the first step before further
analysing these poets as individuals affected directly and indirectly by the ongoing
process of nation-building in the two countries.
Apart from that, this thesis will also provide a comparative study of the poets’
works and how their similarities and differences contribute to a deeper understanding
on how personal memory rebuilds and reconstructs a new sense of either belonging or
displacement. For Ee, his poems betray the voice of a poet affected by the events in
his country. In spite of his exile to Australia in 1975, he continued to write in the
voice of a Malaysian and about Malaysia until his death in 1990. The poetry of Edwin
Thumboo, on the other hand, reveals the voice of a poet who assumes the role of a
5
responsible and committed national citizen. In both cases, history shapes the identity
of these two important post-independence poets of the 20th century.
Finally, this thesis aspires to open up new dimensions of research potentials in
the field of postcolonial theory. In this field, current issues such as globalisation and
identity can be further discussed in terms of its effects on the younger generation of
poets in the region. Other sub-fields within this discipline include psychology where
the mechanism of memory and remembrance can be studied and understood from its
application by various writers of all genres; how memory affects the process of
writing and the relationship shared between the writer and his or her readers; ethnic
studies related to writings by minority groups and how they express themselves in
their works, and cultural critical studies where new interpretations of poetry allow
further appreciation of how culture affects the poet’s personal world and his relation
to the world at large.
1.4
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study of memory is currently deemed a vital element in contemporary literary
theory. Examples where this study is most apparent are in the fields of trauma studies,
Holocaust studies and psychology. Along with the development of 20th century postcolonial literary studies, memory continued to be placed under the critical microscope
due to its relevance in the construction and influence on individual and collective
memory.
The focus of my thesis will be on the relationship shared between history and
memory and how they affect an individual’s identity. As mentioned previously, the
main reason behind the decision to choose Ee and Thumboo is their similar
backgrounds i.e. they knew each other during the British colonial days of Malaya,
6
they are of different minority groups, they chose to write in English eventhough they
are fluent in their natural first languages, and they experienced similar events that
proceeded after the independence of Malaysia in 1957. However, from 1965 onwards,
the style, theme, and tone of each poet’s works differed significantly from each other
and along with that, their idea of the self or the individual identity. One important
cause of such differences was the historical events that took place in their countries
beginning from mid-1960s and how these events later affected these poets who
functioned as citizens of their respective countries.
This thesis thus advances from the past work mentioned above because it seeks
to discuss the work of two essential poets from Malaysia and Singapore by applying
the theory of memory, a topic that is still considered new in the field of post-colonial
studies. Thus, this study will fill a significant gap in the research done on South East
Asian literature where the initial process of understanding these theories will later
assist in understanding the postcolonial interpretation of history and memory,
specifically in the poetry genre.
1.5
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This thesis will examine the elements of memory, history and the development of
identity in selected poems written by Ee Tiang Hong and Edwin Thumboo from 1970
to 1980. Three poems are carefully selected from each publication namely Ee’s Lines
Written in Hawaii (1973) and Myths for a Wilderness (1976), and Thumboo’s Gods
Can Die (1977) and Ulysses by the Merlion (1979). A total number of twelve poems
will be analysed based on their treatment on history and memory:
i.
Lines Written in Hawaii (1973):
a. Thinking of My Return Flight
7
b. Dejection
c. Epitaph
ii.
Myths for a Wilderness (1976):
a. Heeren Street, Malacca
b. Patriotism
c. Requiem
iii.
Gods Can Die (1977):
a. 9th of August – I
b. 9th of August – II
c. Gods Can Die
iv.
Ulysses by the Merlion (1979):
a. Island
b. Ulysses by the Merlion
c. RELC
1.6
LITERATURE REVIEW
The analysis on the interplay of memory and history seeks to expand the studies of
postcolonial theory highlighting on the role of memory in the development of
individual and collective memory in society. A qualitative research that analyses the
thematic, textual and stylistic qualities of the selected poems, this thesis attempts to
comparatively analyse the works of two South East Asian poets from a postcolonial
theoretical perspective. A combination of multi-disciplinary important works by
scholars including Frantz Fanon, Ranajit Guha, Benedict Anderson, Barnor Hesse and
Nicola King will form the foundation of my argument.
8
1.6.1 Theoretical Framework
There are a number of theories that can be applied when addressing the themes of
history and memory in the poetry of Ee Tiang Hong and Edwin Thumboo. Within
these primary theories, points highlighted on memory by noted writers such as Petar
Ramadanovic, Benedict Anderson, Nicola King and Barnor Hesse will complement
the overall focus of my statement that Ee and Thumboo are individuals who were
directly affected by the national policies of their respective countries and whose
poetry revealed these effects of decolonisation via the use of memories and
remembrances.
An example of the theories explained in the thesis is the works of Bill
Ashcroft, Gareth Griffiths and Hellen Tiffin’s The Empire Writes Back (2002) who
have outlined the current situation that has affected the literatures of ex-colonial
countries. Their treatment on the issue of place and displacement is of particular
interest to the thesis as it concerns with the erosion or the recovery of a relationship
between the self and the nation. This discussion is applicable when addressing the
differences between the works of the two poets and how each poet successfully or
unsuccessfully relates to his country.
Another example is Nicola King’s Memory, Narrative, Identity (2000) who
focuses on the process of rewriting the self through the medium of history and
memory. King expresses a strong belief in the complex relationships that exist
between these two elements and how one’s identity is constructed through them. The
process of re-membering or combining the past and the present selves together is only
the first step to restore one’s original and accepted identity. For Ee Tiang Hong,
assuming the role of a poet in exile brings forth various poems that dealt with his
remembrance of his homeland and the difficulties in acknowledging his identity
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caused from his disagreement with national policies as early as March 1957 when the
Education Ordinance compromised the value of vernacular education, established a
“Malayan” educational policy and “asserted the position of Malays as ‘sons/daughters
of the soil’ (Bumiputera)” (Andaya 282).
Rajeev S. Patke’s views in his article ‘Nationalism, Diaspora, Exile: Poetry in
English from Malaysia’ (2003) discusses the relationship shared between ethnic
politics and diaspora and how it has affected the histories of the two countries. This is
useful when defining the point of similarities and differences shared between Ee Tiang
Hong and Edwin Thumboo. Patke highlights the function of the English language and
how English is treated by the Malaysian and Singaporean governments. Considering
that both poets write in English despite having a different language as their mother
tongue, the issue of the appropriation of language comes into light and will assist the
discussion of the poets’ response to their country’s treatment of the English language.
Finally, the ideas developed by the likes of Benedict Anderson in his Imagined
Communities (2003) and Frantz Fanon’s articles on postcolonialism are highly
applicable especially when unmasking the complexities of finding a sound national
identity that would include everyone rather than prioritising one group over the other.
Anderson’s arguments on the ambivalent concept of Nation and Fanon’s own
emphasis on the understanding of history in the plural will assist in the thesis’s
process of understanding the poets’ personal views or criticism of what a Nation is
and how they express these sentiments through their poetry.
Memory is also specifically important in Islam. The Qur’an itself uses memory
as a catalyst to encourage us to remember and recall the events of the past as if they
are from our own lifetime, plus with the same capability of affecting us in the present.
Even the pronouns used e.g. We, you and they, creates not only a heightened state of
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trust on the events but direct impressions that we are part of that discourse, thus
diminishing the presence and the past and creating a concept of time that is
paradoxically. These memories can contribute in shaping one’s identity as a Muslim
who belongs to a collective Ummah.
1.7
METHODOLOGY
Considering the comprehensive discussion on memory, a sound understanding of the
subject is essential in identifying the application of memory in the poets’ selected
poems from a post-colonial perspective. Published articles in print and web journals
can be found in periodicals related to South East Asian studies, World Literature and
Literature in English from libraries. Apart from that, due to the popularity and
importance of postcolonialism, there are also quality e-articles that can be found in
Internet websites related not only to the study of the literature, culture and history of
South East Asia, but also on the study of memory as related to literary theories in
general. Most of these websites are owned and sponsored by renowned universities
such as the National University of Singapore and Emory University.
Data obtained from published interviews with Edwin Thumboo, articles,
reviews and critical studies are included in this thesis. These references contain
essential information that deals with the poets’ opinions on issues such as the writing
of poetry and politics.
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1.8
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The focus of this thesis will be on the interplay of history and memory and how this
relationship is expressed in the selected works of Ee Tiang Hong and Edwin
Thumboo. This choice of study can be both comprehensive and narrow at the same
time depending on the approach taken by the writer or critic. From one perspective, all
three elements mentioned above can be treated as separate concepts that have been
touched and discussed in various printed materials. However, this thesis aims to
address the interplay of memory and history in the construction of the poet’s identity.
Apart from that, there is a significant difference when it comes to studying the
two poets. In the study of Edwin Thumboo, there is a wealth of information available
considering the importance and accessibility of poetry written by Singaporeans in
English. In fact, Thumboo believed that the small size of his nation calls for the role of
poetry in contributing to the formation of a new all encompassing national identity.
On the other hand, there is a moderately limited resource on Ee Tiang Hong caused by
the marginalisation of literatures written in languages apart from Bahasa Melayu.
While Thumboo’s views on the literature of Singapore can be easily accessed,
Ee’s personal voice is limited to the articles written by Thumboo, Ee’s writings on
Thumboo and other articles written on other poets. The collection of articles related to
Ee as a poet by distinguished scholars of South East Asian post-colonial literatures
written in English thus function as a viable and substantial source of information in
understanding Ee’s works in depth.
Finally, the focus of this thesis may appeal only to readers inclined towards the
influence of memory in post-colonial studies, a branch of knowledge that is still
developing but further readings may lead readers to areas such as nation building,
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hybridity, autobiographical studies and other important aspects of contemporary South
East Asian cultural and literary studies.
1.9
ORGANISATION OF CHAPTERS
In the first chapter, the background of the study is provided along with its literature
review. This chapter introduces the selected poems as well as the theory of
postcolonial literature.
The second chapter provides a more thorough and detailed explanation on the
literature review. Here, further details on how the field of postcolonialism views the
concept of memory and history are given and what several established several postcolonial critics have contributed significantly to these concepts.
The following chapter focuses on an analytical discussion followed by a
comparison of Ee Tiang Hong’s first three selected poems from Lines Written in
Hawaii (1973) and Edwin Thumboo’s three poems from his book entitled Gods Can
Die (1977). The poets’ use of location, symbolism and metaphor are brought into
discussion specifically in its use to address ideas of memory, history and identity.
The fourth chapter examines the next three selected poems from Ee Tiang
Hong’s Myth for a Wilderness (1976) and Edwin Thumboo’s Ulysses by the Merlion
(1979). Here, significant differences can be pointed out. Setting itself in a different
mood than Ee Tiang Hong’s strong sense of displacement from Malaysia, the poetry
of Thumboo uses of memory, identity and history to strengthen and promote the idea
of a unified Singapore instead.
The fifth and final chapter is a conclusion of the thesis based on the
comparative study of the two poets. It also includes an Islamic understanding on the
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importance of memory in the formation of a person’s identity. Finally,
recommendations and other relating aspects are also provided.
1.10
SUMMARY
This thesis aims to introduce a different approach in reading poems written by Ee
Tiang Hong and Edwin Thumboo, namely to provide a historical and psychological
understanding of their poetry thus observing these literary works as extensions of the
poets themselves.
This contemporary appreciation of the poems is based on a
thorough understanding on the characteristics that make memory an important issue
within the study of South East Asian post-colonial literary studies. Instead of focusing
on the biographical nature of each poet, this thesis provides an analysis of how
memory and history are distinctively important in the construction of identity.
Although Ee Tiang Hong has passed away and many other younger poets from both
countries are replacing the previous generation with contemporary poetry of the 21st
century, Ee and Thumboo belonged to a generation that went through various decisive
moments in the region’s history that would forever etched in both their memories and
poetry.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
POSTCOLONIALISM ON MEMORY AND HISTORY
History has long been accepted as a study of past events where a collective group of
people produced a version of the past concerning specific country, person or subject
and later accepted and retold time and again, regardless of its consistency with the
truth. On the other hand, memory is an outcome of past events or the things that a
person remembers from the past. Thus, often a discussion on one of these terms will in
one way or another, lead to the discussion of the other.
John Locke, who openly discussed the relationship between personal identity
and memory as early as the 17th century, raised an important question when he
wondered:
Suppose I wholly lose the memory of some parts of my Life, beyond a
possibility of retrieving them, so that perhaps I shall never be conscious of
them again; yet am I not the same Person, that did those actions, had those
Thoughts, that I was once conscious of, though I have now forgot them?
(King, 2000: 2)
Locke also theorised that self-identity is continuous across time and that "a
thinking intelligent being that has reason and reflection and can consider itself as
itself, the same thinking thing in different times and places" (Ralston, n.d.).
According to Locke, in its entirety, there is an intricate relationship between personal
identity and consciousness, that is established by “the necessity of memory, or the
setting aside of past actions in order to confirm the continuity of identity between the
past self and the present self” (ibid).
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