THE PERCEPTION OF UGLY AND BEAUTY IN MALAY CULTURAL IMAGINATION: A STUDY OF AESTHETICS AND MORALITY IN SELECTED MALAY TEXTS

Abstract

The discourse on aesthetics often centres around the appreciation of beauty, while the concept of ugliness remains vague and rarely discussed. For decades, the Malay-Indonesian world has been grappling with the notion of beauty. Attempts to define beauty have been made through the formalistic analysis of literary texts without the inclusion of the study on ugliness. However, this study argues that the notion of beauty can be best understood when the parameters of ugliness are clearly outlined. This study discusses the aesthetic judgement of beauty and ugliness. Through an analysis of aesthetic discourse in Hikayat Raja Babi, Kisah Dayang Senandung, Terjadinya Rawa Pening, and Puteri Santubong Dan Puteri Sejinjang, the study found that apart from discussing beauty, the notion of ugliness is ever present in the realms of Malay aesthetics. The focus on positive traits like politeness and humility remains key in determining beauty in its entirety. To understand beauty, it is imperative to understand its opposite, ugliness. The dynamics of the two informs us of Malay cultural imagination on beauty and ugliness.