Aside from themes of God and religion, Amir also shows an awareness of his own humanity, recognising his own instincts and drives.[23] Jassin writes that "Amir's song is the song of a man's soul",[lower-alpha 3] showing sadness and joy which do not acknowledge class or creed.[23] Teeuw notes a sense of distrust, a feeling that – having once lost his love – there is no reason Amir will not lose his next lover.[13] Indonesian critic Zuber Usman, meanwhile, discusses the theme of love lost in relation to religion, writing that the loss of his Javanese lover led Amir closer to God.[24]