Acak Aderaf

Lately, social media timelines have been filled with watermelon images. Some people put them in their profile pictures, some use them as illustrations, stickers, posters, or simply post them without captions. Interestingly, something as simple as a fruit suddenly became a symbol carrying a much deeper meaning. A watermelon is no longer just a watermelon. Behind its colors, people place support, anger, sadness, solidarity, and humanity...

Well, hi peeps! Welcome.

At first, I thought it was just another internet trend. You know, the kind of thing that appears massively for several weeks and then disappears once people get bored. But the more I paid attention, the more I realized that symbols have always played important roles in human history. Sometimes, people cannot speak freely. Sometimes words are too dangerous. And in certain situations, symbols become another language for expressing resistance and support.

The watermelon itself became associated with Palestine because its colors represent the Palestinian flag: red, green, black, and white. And because there were moments when the Palestinian flag was restricted or censored in some places, people began using the watermelon as an alternative symbol. A quiet way to say, “We still see you...”

Honestly, what interests me the most is not only the symbol itself, but also how people respond to it. Some genuinely care and try to learn the history behind it. Others simply follow trends because everyone else is doing the same thing. And of course, there are also people who become uncomfortable whenever humanity starts entering conversations that were previously considered “safe” from politics.

That is the strange thing about today’s world. We live in an era where information moves very fast, yet understanding often moves very slowly. People can repost dozens of contents within minutes, but not everyone spends time understanding what they are sharing. Sometimes support becomes performance. Sometimes awareness becomes aesthetics. And sometimes, tragedy becomes algorithm material.

But maybe that is simply the reality of the digital era. Social media has changed the way humans express empathy. In the past, support might have been shown through demonstrations, fundraising, discussions, or writings in newspapers. Now, support can appear through hashtags, profile pictures, reposts, and symbols. Small actions, perhaps. But still actions.

Of course, there will always be debates. Some people think symbols are useless because they do not directly stop wars or suffering. Others believe symbols matter because they keep issues alive in public consciousness. And honestly, I think both perspectives can coexist. Because not everyone contributes in the same way. Some people speak loudly on the streets, while others quietly spread awareness from behind their screens.

However, one thing that should not disappear is sincerity. Because once empathy becomes merely a trend, people will quickly move on to the next topic when the algorithm changes. Today it is Palestine. Tomorrow, another tragedy somewhere else. The internet often teaches us to react quickly, but rarely teaches us to stay long enough to care deeply.

And perhaps that is why symbols become important. Not because they magically solve problems, but because they remind us that somewhere beyond our comfortable rooms, beyond our scrolling fingers, there are humans experiencing fear, loss, hunger, and grief every single day.

In the end, I think humanity has always searched for ways to express solidarity. Sometimes through flags, songs, writings, marches, or even fruits. Strange, maybe. But humans have always attached meanings to objects in order to make feelings easier to carry.

And maybe, behind all those watermelon pictures flooding our timelines, there is one simple message people are trying to say:

“We have not forgotten you...”***

Nobody expected the pandemic to last this long...

At first, many of us thought Covid-19 would only become a temporary interruption. A few weeks at home, a few masks here and there, and life would eventually return to normal. But months passed, routines changed, and suddenly humanity was pushed into a situation where adaptation was no longer optional...

Well, hi peeps! Welcome.

The pandemic was never only about a virus. It became a turning point. A moment where people were forced to confront uncertainty, fear, loneliness, and change all at once. Some lost jobs. Some lost plans. Some lost people they loved. And in the middle of all that chaos, life kept moving forward without waiting for anyone to feel ready.

Honestly, that is probably the hardest part about reality. It does not pause simply because we are tired.

During this journey, humans slowly learned how fragile everything actually is. Things we once considered ordinary suddenly became privileges. Meeting friends freely, attending concerts, studying in classrooms, traveling without fear, even breathing comfortably without masks — all those small things became things we deeply missed...

But behind all the exhaustion, the pandemic also forced people to grow, I think.

We learned how to survive in uncomfortable situations. We learned how to communicate through distance. We learned how important health workers truly are. And perhaps most importantly, we learned how valuable human connection really is.

Some people used this period to rebuild themselves. They started learning new skills, spending more time with family, building businesses, reading books they once ignored, or finally understanding themselves after years of constantly running from silence.

Others struggled badly. And honestly, that is understandable too.

Not everyone experiences storms the same way.

That is why I think “Shape Up or Ship Out” perfectly describes this era. Because the pandemic forced humanity into two choices: adapt or be left behind by circumstances. It sounds harsh, but reality often is. The world changed rapidly, and whether we liked it or not, we had to learn how to move with it.

Of course, adaptation was not always smooth. Many people felt frustrated, confused, even hopeless. There were moments when we questioned whether things would ever return to the way they used to be. But somehow, humans always find ways to continue.

Maybe because surviving has always been part of human nature.

And if we look back now, perhaps the pandemic was not only a disaster. Maybe it was also a mirror. A mirror showing how society works, how governments respond under pressure, how technology dominates our lives, and how humans behave when fear spreads faster than certainty.

In the end, every person carries different scars from this period, huh? But one thing is certain: we are not exactly the same people we were before the pandemic happened.

Because after experiencing isolation, loss, restrictions, and uncertainty for so long, humans inevitably changed. Some changes are visible. Others quietly stay inside us; maybe that is the real meaning behind this journey/

2020 suddenly became a strange year for almost everyone. Streets that were once crowded became quieter. Schools closed. Offices emptied. Cafés lost their noise. And for the first time in a long while, humans around the world were forced to stop and realize that something invisible could change everything completely...

Well, hi peeps! Welcome.

At the beginning, many people thought Covid-19 would only become another issue that would disappear after several weeks. But as time passed, the numbers continued to rise. News about hospitals, masks, deaths, and lockdowns slowly became part of our daily conversations. Fear spread quickly, but unfortunately, so did ignorance...

Some people still refused to believe how dangerous it was. Others underestimated the situation because they felt healthy enough. And honestly, perhaps that became one of the hardest things about fighting a pandemic. The enemy was invisible, but the consequences were painfully real...

Covid-19 did not only attack health systems. It also tested humanity itself. It tested patience, empathy, discipline, and how much we cared about one another. Because for once, protecting others could be done through simple actions: wearing masks, washing hands, keeping distance, and reducing unnecessary activities outside...

Sounds easy, right?

But strangely, many people still found it difficult...

Humans are social creatures. We are used to gathering, shaking hands, laughing together, hanging out until midnight, and meeting the people we miss whenever we want. Suddenly being told to stay apart felt unnatural. It felt lonely. It felt exhausting. But sometimes caring means being willing to sacrifice temporary comfort for greater safety...

And now, slowly, we are reaching another phase...

The numbers have begun to improve in some places. Public spaces are reopening little by little. Activities that were once completely stopped are slowly returning. The world has not fully recovered yet, but humans are trying to stand up again while carrying lessons from the past months...

People call it the new normal...

A new chapter where life continues, but with different habits. Masks become part of everyday fashion. Hand sanitizer sits on every table. Distances become forms of care. And awareness becomes something much more important than before...

Honestly, maybe this is the hardest part...

Because many of us are already tired...

But maybe all of this teaches us to appreciate things we once considered ordinary...

Those things suddenly became precious...

And that is why we cannot give up now...

The phrase “Us Against Covid-19” still matters because this fight has never belonged only to doctors, nurses, volunteers, or governments. It belongs to all of us. Every small action still matters...

Perhaps this pandemic reminds humans that happiness is actually simple. Togetherness. Health. Presence. The ability to gather without fear. Things we once ignored are now the things we miss the most...

So for now, let us continue holding on a little longer...

There is one enemy that often defeats humans without making any noise. It does not come from outside, does not carry weapons, and does not even need a battlefield. Yet somehow, it constantly wins against us...

Ego.

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During this pandemic, people were forced to fight many things at once. Fear, loneliness, uncertainty, boredom, financial problems, distance, and exhaustion slowly became part of everyday life. At the same time, Ramadan arrived — a month that has always taught humans about patience, self-control, and sincerity.

And honestly, maybe this was the first time many of us truly understood what it means to restrain ourselves...

Because usually, when we miss someone, we can simply meet them. When we feel tired, we can go outside and search for distractions. When Ramadan comes, we are used to crowded iftar gatherings, prayers at the mosque, warm handshakes, and laughter filling family houses before Eid arrives.

But suddenly, everything changed~

The pandemic forced us to stay apart. Health protocols asked us to keep distance from the very people we wanted to meet the most. And perhaps, that became the hardest challenge of all.

Holding ourselves back.

Humans naturally want comfort. We want freedom. We want to do whatever makes us happy. And ego often whispers the same thing:

But sometimes the greatest form of love is restraint.

Ramadan itself teaches humans to fight desires. Not only hunger and thirst, but also anger, arrogance, impatience, and selfishness. It teaches us that strength is not always about domination. Sometimes strength is simply the ability to control ourselves when emotions and desires become overwhelming.

And during the pandemic, that lesson felt even more real.

Because Eid has always been about togetherness. About finally returning home after long journeys. About shaking hands, forgiving one another, eating together, and laughing in rooms filled with people we love.

So when people were asked to delay that happiness for the sake of safety, the real battle began.

And maybe that is why I call this “To Defeat The Undefeated.”

Because ego often feels impossible to defeat. It survives inside every human being. It convinces us that our desires matter more than consequences. It pushes us to prioritize temporary satisfaction over collective safety.

But if there is one thing this pandemic and Ramadan taught us together, it is this:

Humans are actually capable of sacrifice when love becomes the reason.

And perhaps that is the real reward.

At the time of writing this, my city has slept about a month and half because of a new guest named COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-19).

When I look back on the early stories of its coming, I couldn't help but think about why this guest came here, to our country? Moreover, it hug the people like an old friend. From the beginning, I knew it was not a good hug, and I knew too that his coming was not a good news. But, people were good enough to pretend like nothing happened.

Well, hi peeps! Welcome.

2020. Hopefully this year can bring more meaning and a lot of things to be grateful. I am not sure, but the conclusion that I've been learning about life this long is, how we can appreciate every part of it. So, as long as we are still exist in this world, that long we also need to be grateful. With every breath I exhale, I try my best to be a good person in that term.

Well, hi peeps! Welcome.

Based on Wikipedia, politics is often described as the art of gaining power, whether constitutionally or otherwise. And honestly, throughout 2019, I found myself strangely entertained by everything this “art” had to offer. Public enthusiasm toward Indonesia’s presidential election was enormous, even long before the candidates and their running mates were officially announced. People immediately began speculating, choosing sides, and asking themselves, “Which side am I on?”

As for me, I was simply busy restocking my popcorn and soda.

Well, hi peeps. Welcome.

Indonesia’s presidential election has officially ended, yet the euphoria still lingers. Supporters from both sides remain convinced that their candidates deserved victory, while media outlets continue flooding timelines with quick-count results and political analysis. After all, waiting for the official count takes time, while life itself keeps moving forward. People still need to return to work, continue their routines, and function as social beings.

There are countless things worth discussing about this election, but I will only focus on a few perspectives. I believe that in every field, there are complexities outsiders may never fully understand unless they are directly involved. So this is merely an observation from the surface.

One of the biggest highlights this year was the massive campaign encouraging people not to abstain from voting. With so many first-time voters participating, social media was filled with messages such as, “Abstention is not an option,” or “Use your vote no matter who you choose.” There seemed to be a collective fear that people would ignore their rights as citizens.

But personally, I think the discussion is more complicated than that.

When someone officially becomes eligible to vote, they should also understand what voting truly means — including understanding the consequences of both choosing and not choosing. The candidates had already presented their visions, promises, and future plans. Citizens were given enough information to evaluate every possibility.

So, choosing not to vote is not necessarily a mistake.

It is still a choice.

And in a democracy, choosing not to participate can be just as intentional as choosing a candidate. Both are rights owned by the voters themselves. What matters is that the decision comes from awareness and understanding, not ignorance. That point, I think, is important to underline.

Another issue that drew a lot of attention was the way people expressed their opinions. Many political supporters delivered messages that others considered unethical or disrespectful. Both sides constantly attacked one another using whatever weapons they had — words, accusations, sarcasm, and narratives. Some arguments crossed the line and ended badly.

But honestly, I think context matters.

We need to understand where we are and what situation we are in. At a celebration, people shout and cheer. At a funeral, they remain quiet and respectful. Likewise, politics — especially during elections — is naturally loud and confrontational. Indonesia was in the middle of a democratic “festival,” so clashes of opinion were inevitable.

Criticizing opponents, debating ideas, and attacking arguments are all legitimate in politics — as long as they are based on facts. The problem begins when people spread misinformation, slander, or fabricated issues. That is no longer political expression; it becomes something destructive.

And if we feel entitled to attack others with arguments, then we must also be prepared to receive criticism in return. Fair is fair. No hard feelings.

Differences in opinion will always exist, regardless of who leads the country. That is completely normal. Unfortunately, many people still struggle to deal with disagreement. The moment conflicting views appear, emotions often become the first response.

Is that wrong?

Not really — as long as we understand our limits.

We can disagree with friends, relatives, even family members, without destroying the relationships we have built for years. In fact, discussions and debates can become healthy spaces to exchange perspectives and challenge the way we think. They stimulate the mind. They teach us to listen.

Of course, reaching that level of maturity takes effort.

My point is simple: we are free to express opinions and make choices, as long as we remain within ethical boundaries and do not destroy human connections in the process. Because for me, the highest form of tolerance is the ability to agree to disagree.

I hope you understand my point.

Actually, there is one more issue — probably the hottest and most sensitive of all: religion. But for this one, I will step back gracefully.

You win.
Your arguments are the best.
I quit.

Returning to the beginning, after all the chaos, debates, and divisions created temporary walls between people, there will eventually come a moment when everything settles down again. People reconcile not only with others, but also with themselves. The tension fades, emotions cool down, and life quietly returns to normal.

 Based on the title, this time I want to talk about the “body” of a literary work — the elements that build and strengthen a story from the inside.

Well, hi peeps. Welcome.

Actually, there are many aspects that play important roles in literature. All of those elements should connect and support one another because that relationship is what makes a literary work feel alive and complete. A good story is not created by a single aspect alone. Plot, setting, characters, and other elements work together like parts of a body, each one supporting the others.

What I am sharing here comes from what I learned from my lecturers and from my own understanding while studying literary analysis. These elements become important whenever we try to analyze a novel, short story, or any literary work deeply. Every literary work has a structure hidden inside it, and that structure helps the story breathe.

So, let us start with one of the most important elements: plot.

Plot

Plot has a huge role in literary works, especially in novels and short stories. One of the most essential parts of plot is the event. Events show readers how situations develop from beginning to end. Through plot, readers experience transitions from one condition to another, and it encourages curiosity about what will happen next.

In simple terms, plot is the foundation of a story. Characters and settings are built around it, while events are arranged logically to create meaning and emotional impact.

Generally, plots can be divided into three categories:

1. Forward Plot

A forward plot moves chronologically from past to present. Events are arranged in sequence, making the storyline easier to follow.

2. Flashback Plot

A flashback plot begins from a later event before returning to earlier moments in the story. It allows readers to understand the past gradually.

3. Jumping Plot

A jumping plot moves back and forth between different timelines. The story may suddenly shift before returning to previous situations again.

As mentioned earlier, events are extremely important in plot analysis. Events can be understood as transitions from one situation to another. That is why, when analyzing literary works, one of the first things readers often do is identify and collect important events from beginning to end. Those events usually become clues for understanding conflicts, themes, and messages hidden inside the story.

And honestly, this process requires careful reading and strong attention to detail.

Setting

Besides plot, another important literary element is setting.

Events in fiction never happen in emptiness. Stories are always connected to places, times, situations, and environments that make them feel real. Setting is the entire environment surrounding the story, including customs, traditions, social conditions, and ways of life.

Some experts define setting as the relationship between place, time, and social environment where events occur. In literature, setting is sometimes called the “fulcrum point” because it supports the movement of the story itself.

Generally, setting can be divided into three elements:

• Place Setting → where the story happens
• Time Setting → when the story happens
• Social Setting → the social environment surrounding the characters

Setting plays an important role because it strengthens the realism of a story. Readers can imagine situations more vividly when the setting feels believable.

However, setting is not only physical.

Sometimes, settings also carry emotional or spiritual values. For example, a rural setting does not only present fields, dirt roads, and trees. It may also symbolize simplicity, warmth, religious values, or close social relationships.

That is why authors carefully choose settings. Settings provide historical, cultural, psychological, and emotional context for the characters. They shape how characters think, behave, and react to conflicts.

So whenever we read literature, identifying where and when the story takes place can help us understand the story more deeply — especially because some settings also contain historical meaning.

Character and Characterization

Next, we move to character and characterization.

A character is the person who appears in a literary work and performs actions within the story. According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a character is a person represented in novels, plays, or other literary genres.

Characters are important because they carry messages, values, emotions, and conflicts throughout the story. Through them, readers experience the narrative emotionally.

Characters are generally divided into two types:

1. Major Character

A major character is the central figure in the story. This character usually appears most frequently and becomes deeply involved in the main conflict. The major character is often called the protagonist.

2. Minor Character

Minor characters support the story and help develop the major character. Even though their roles are smaller, they still contribute important functions within the narrative.

One interesting thing about characters is that they often change throughout the story. Conflicts and experiences shape them into better or worse versions of themselves. This development makes characters feel human and believable.

Characters also help readers understand the deeper messages within a literary work. Through their emotions, actions, and struggles, readers can interpret what the author wants to communicate.

To identify the main character, Nurgiyantoro suggested that the main character is usually the one who appears most frequently and is involved in most scenes. So, one simple way to identify the protagonist is by observing which character dominates the story.

Now let us move to characterization.

Characterization refers to the methods writers use to reveal and develop characters. Authors can reveal characterization in many ways:

• Through physical description
• Through psychological explanation
• Through dialogue
• Through actions and behavior
• Through reactions toward others
• Through how others speak about the character

For example, readers may understand a character simply by observing how they speak, how they react during conversations, or how they behave during conflict.

Characterization is also closely connected to background. Family, birthplace, social environment, education, work, friendships, and historical context all influence how a character develops.

Name

Lastly, there is one element that is often overlooked during literary analysis: name.

Even though it seems simple, names can carry symbolic meaning within a story. Sometimes authors choose names carefully because they reflect personality, destiny, social background, or hidden symbolism.

A name may subtly strengthen characterization without readers realizing it.

That is why naming characters is actually one of the most difficult parts of writing literature. Authors usually do not choose names randomly. Behind every name, there is often intention, meaning, and purpose.

And honestly, after trying to write stories myself, I completely understand why.***

This is the second part of Why Literature. In this article, I want to talk about the branches of literature. Of course, I will not explain everything in extreme detail because that would take far too many pages — and honestly, I am not diligent enough for that. Lmao.

Well, hi peeps. Welcome.