Lecture Notes on "The Power of a Mother" (Kekuatan Ibu)

Setting and Characters

Time Period: 8th century Bali
Main Characters:
- Drisna: Mother of Satya, sacrifices for her child, suffers due to her husband's duties.
- Satya: Drisna's child, optimistic and caring.
- Mahesa: Drisna's husband, a Punggawa under a war-loving king.
- The King: A character representing tyranny and suffering.

Drisna's Struggles:
- Describes how Mahesa, consumed by duty to a warlike king, neglects Drisna during childbirth.
- Drisna endures hardships to provide for Satya.
- The village suffers famine when enemies burn their fields.
Satya's Promises:
- Satya vows to help Drisna and be a good child, showing innocence and hope amidst despair.
Tragedy Strikes:
- Mahesa's absence leads to disaster, as their village is attacked, resulting in Satya's death.
- Drisna's devastation is palpable; she cries out for her child, reinforcing themes of maternal love and loss.

Drisna's Resolve:
- After losing Satya, Drisna leads the villagers to confront the king, aiming to end the suffering caused by war.
- A rallying cry for justice and to honor those lost.

Confrontation with Mahesa:
- Drisna confronts Mahesa, revealing the consequences of his actions and the loss of their child.
- A moment of realization for Mahesa about his failings as both a father and a husband.

Aftermath of the Rebellion:
- Years later, Mahesa continues to fight against the king, aiming to rectify past mistakes.
- Peace returns to Bali after Mahesa's struggle, highlighting themes of redemption.

Maternal Love:
- Drisna's sacrifices reflect the profound lengths a mother will go for her children.
Consequences of War:
- The narrative critiques the desolation caused by war and the neglect of the vulnerable.
Redemption and Change:
- Mahesa's journey from blind loyalty to rebellion emphasizes the possibility of change and making amends for past wrongs.