Representation of Siam in the French Novel: Le Ministre des moussons

ภาพแทนสยามในนวนิยายฝรั่งเศส เรื่อง Le Ministre des mousson

Abstract

        This research article aims to study the representation of Siam in the historical novel Le Ministre des moussons (1998) by Claire Keefe-Fox, published in French. The novel vividly portrays Siam during the late 17^th century, a pivotal period when Siam and France established diplomatic relations. Utilizing the concept of Orientalism to reflect the representation of Siam, this study employs a qualitative literary research methodology and presents the findings through descriptive analysis. The results reveal that the representation of Siam appears in three major aspects: physical and geographical characteristics, beliefs and religion, and cultural values and traditions. Regarding narrative strategies, the study finds that the novel primarily presents the image of Siam through narration and character dialogues, particularly through the perspectives of Western characters. This study exemplifies the integration of literary criticism and history.