The Fine Lady and the Foul Man in Traditional Thai Poetry -

Abstract

Abstract

            This study aims to investigate the socio-cultural context of the fine lady and the foul man in traditional Thai poetry written from Ayutthaya period to the reign of King Rama VI of Rattanakosin period. The results show that the fine lady is always portrayed with social status, physical appearance, and behavior deemed desirable or appropriate by the mainstream culture. On the other hand, the foul man is presented in a totally different way with what is expected of men in the mainstream culture.  The portrayal of the fine lady and the foul man in traditional Thai poetry can be classified into three pairs of binary oppositions as follows. Firstly, an older man/ a young woman – as seen in the relationship of Amittada/ Chuchok and Chansuda/ King Sannuraj. Secondly, a foul man/ a fine lady with higher social standing -  this can either be a foul man of low birth as presented through the relationship of Budsaba/Joraka or a foul man in disguise as seen through Rojana/ Chao Ngoh and Usa/ Saenpom. Lastly, a foul man with higher social standing/ a fine lady – as depicted through the characters Wanthong/ Khun Chang.  In addition, the results indicate that the kings and other high-ranking officials, as the writers and poets, held the power to determine what should constitute the main stream culture and what should be suppressed as subcultures. This was done by modifying folklore and its conventions belonging to the commoners to a more specifically courtly style.