After being invited into Robert Mellema's room, Minke is scolded and passively aggressively attacked by his host. Robert expresses jealousy over Minke's status as an H.B.S. student; however, he disapproves of Minke's relationship with her sister, saying, "What a shame you're just a native." (Pramoedya, 1996, p.105). Minke does not react to this statement as she would have before meeting Nyai and Annelies; he demonstrates his determination by saying, “Is it a crime to be a native?” (Pramoedya, 1996, p.105). This bold statement expresses Minke's new attitude towards her social identity. Minke can now see his value as an educated HBS student and, more importantly, as a