Fate of Mandra

I felt sad when watching the Si Doel Anak Sekolahan show (Doel a school boy) on Dec. 16, 1996. I felt sorry for Mandra. He seems fated to always be the one shouted at by all members of the late Pak Sabeni's family, not to mention Atun (Mandra's niece), who is supposed to pay respect to her uncle. He also seems to be the one who always makes mistakes.

First, Mandra had to cancel his plan to marry Munaroh due to his father's desire to marry a widow named Rodiah. Mandra encountered misfortune when Munaroh was forced to marry another man. Later, he also lost Nunung, because her brother Karyo insisted that she should go back to her home village. Actually, Karyo was worried that his relationship with Atun would be ruined if he allowed Mandra's affection for Nunung to flourish.

I realized, however, that it was only a story, but it bothered me. Why is it that Mandra was born a loser and is treated badly by his own family? Is this due to the fact that Mandra is a dropout? Please, Rano Karno, could you give Mandra a chance? According to the Koran, parents should help their sons and daughters who have already reached adulthood and desire to get married to accomplish their ideals.

LIANA THREESTAYANTI

Jakarta