VALUE AND MEANING OF LIFE IN PRACHAKHOM LUNACHAI'S NOVELS

Abstract

This article aimed to study the value and meaning of humanity in Prachakhom Lunachai's novels, connecting with an analysis of perspectives on human status in social contexts. Nine novels published during 1997-2009 were selected for study: Fang Saeng Chan [The Moonlit Shore] (1997), Khon Kham Fan [Dream Crosser] (2000), Dok Mai Klang Mueang [Flowers in the City] (2002), Lok Ha Liam [The Pentagonal World] (2003), Klang Thale Luek [In the Deep Sea] (2003), Khian Fan Duai Chiwit [Writing Dreams with Life] (2005), Phayu Rak Morasum Chiwit [Love Storm, Life Monsoon] (2007), Thiao Ruea Sut Thai [The Last Voyage] (2008), and Kao Pai Kep Chan Phan Duang [Going to Gather a Thousand Moons] (2009). Prachakhom Lunachai presents values and meaning that upholds the inherent dignity of humanity, which is determined and maintained through qualities that do not vary according to social status, and values that destroy human worth. The shared characteristic of novels within this study's scope is that the author demonstrates human dignity in relation to life goals and pathways to achievement through three aspects: 1) dignity according to social requirements, 2) dignity according to life ideology, and 3) pathways to goals.