If you will forgive the pun, this semi-autobiographical story by Pramoedya Ananta Toer has a “sting” in the tail. Although apprehensive, a young Muslim boy views his upcoming circumcision with excitement… both for the gifts he will receive and the houri (young maidens) who will serve him in heaven. Asked afterwards if he now feels like a true Muslim, his answer is “no”. And with no prospect of being rich enough to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, the thought of becoming a true Muslim never again enters his head. Themes include tradition, religious identity, pride/smugness, fear, socioeconomic status, disillusionment.
The smugness theme arises from the belief that entrance to heaven is available only to those who are circumcised. It is exemplified in the way the protagonist feels superior to (and perhaps and sorry for) his peers who may be unable to perform the ceremony for economic or other reasons.