Nature in Service of Literature

Authors

Chamnongsri L. Rutnin

Publication Date

1989-01-01

Abstract

In Thai literature, the intrinsic value of nature is often overshadowed by its role of serving the literary craft and expressions of thought. This is particularly evident in the 'classical' literature prior to the transition to 'modern' Thai literature in the reign of King Rama VI in the second decade of this century. Names of flowers, plants and animals are put to poetic use for the sake of sound and rhythm, and for puns and plays on words. On another level, nature represents external objects which the poets associate with inner images in their own thoughts. Thai poets make prolific use of nature as symbols : examples range from the ingenious Thai literary convention known as "bot atsachan" (poetic episodes of love-making), to the universal use of the elements of nature in relation to human emotions and destiny. In the works of many modern Thai writers and poets, nature often takes on spiritual, sensual and philosophical tones. The result is a characteristically Thai synthesis of old and new values. This study is limited to the emotive-imaginative type of literature. "Lilit Phra Lor" and selected stories from the collection "Khunthong, You Will Return at Dawn" are used as exemplary works with special interest on the role of water.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.19.2.18

First Page

146

Last Page

155

Recommended Citation

Rutnin, Chamnongsri L. (1989) "Nature in Service of Literature," PASAA: Vol. 19: Iss. 2, Article 19.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.19.2.18
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol19/iss2/19