what is Thai literature?
Thai literature has its roots in ancient inscriptions, which date back to the Sukhothai period (13th-14th centuries) and the Ayutthaya period (14th-18th centuries). These inscriptions often consisted of religious texts and historical records. One of the most significant literary works of that formative period is the Ramakien, which is the Thai version of the Indian epic, the Ramayana, i.e. the well-known story of Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, and his quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. Classical Thai poetry may be divided into various genres or registers. The genre known as "klong," is characterized by its intricate rhyme schemes and meter. Klong poets often composed verses praising the king, extolling the virtues of Buddhism, or celebrating nature's beauty. Lilit is a form of Thai poetry that consists of lullabies. These verses are often sung to children and convey love, tenderness, and care.
Modern Thai literature began to flourish in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Influenced by Western literary styles, Thai writers began to produce novels, short stories, and plays that explored contemporary themes, and social issues, including the impact of modernization, the monarchy, and the changing roles of women in society. The list of contemporary Thai authors includes such names as Pramoj Malakham, Saneh Sangsuk, and Chart Korbjitti. Novels and short stories are written both in the local language and in English. They often evoke the link to Buddhist traditions and the strength of identities and origins, both Thai and multiethnic. Just to give an example,Thảo Thư Từ Lan ("Letters from Thailand") by Botan tells the story of a Chinese immigrant to Thailand, providing also a historical perspective on the Chinese community in the country.
Thai novels started appearing early in the 20th century. Among the classics, there is Si Phaendin ("Four Reigns") by Kukrit Pramoj. This epic historical novel spans four reigns of Thai monarchs and provides a vivid portrayal of Thai society and culture during the 19th and 20th centuries. Another example among those early novels is Nang Sao Suwannee ("Behind the Painting") by Siburapha. It tells the story of a forbidden love affair between a Thai student and a married woman and provides insights into the changing values of Thai society.
Although we might associate Thailand primarily with the chaotic urban landscapes of Bangkok, Thai literature often depicts a much quieter, rural reality. Khamphiphaksa ("The Judgment") by Chart Korbjitti explores such themes as poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of the rural poor. Monsoon Country by Pira Sudham (1988) is a familiar story going on throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The seasons bring about maturation, travels abroad, increased awareness, while apparently, the traditional ways of life continue unchanged. In the final chapter corresponding to the year 1980, there is still a banyan tree and a young man from the village to be ordained monk in a Buddhist monastery. The ritual scars on his head correspond to other scars, traces of encounters with the world.
Modern Thai literature began to flourish in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Influenced by Western literary styles, Thai writers began to produce novels, short stories, and plays that explored contemporary themes, and social issues, including the impact of modernization, the monarchy, and the changing roles of women in society. The list of contemporary Thai authors includes such names as Pramoj Malakham, Saneh Sangsuk, and Chart Korbjitti. Novels and short stories are written both in the local language and in English. They often evoke the link to Buddhist traditions and the strength of identities and origins, both Thai and multiethnic. Just to give an example,Thảo Thư Từ Lan ("Letters from Thailand") by Botan tells the story of a Chinese immigrant to Thailand, providing also a historical perspective on the Chinese community in the country.
Thai novels started appearing early in the 20th century. Among the classics, there is Si Phaendin ("Four Reigns") by Kukrit Pramoj. This epic historical novel spans four reigns of Thai monarchs and provides a vivid portrayal of Thai society and culture during the 19th and 20th centuries. Another example among those early novels is Nang Sao Suwannee ("Behind the Painting") by Siburapha. It tells the story of a forbidden love affair between a Thai student and a married woman and provides insights into the changing values of Thai society.
Although we might associate Thailand primarily with the chaotic urban landscapes of Bangkok, Thai literature often depicts a much quieter, rural reality. Khamphiphaksa ("The Judgment") by Chart Korbjitti explores such themes as poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of the rural poor. Monsoon Country by Pira Sudham (1988) is a familiar story going on throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The seasons bring about maturation, travels abroad, increased awareness, while apparently, the traditional ways of life continue unchanged. In the final chapter corresponding to the year 1980, there is still a banyan tree and a young man from the village to be ordained monk in a Buddhist monastery. The ritual scars on his head correspond to other scars, traces of encounters with the world.
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