The evolution of female image in the works of Vajiravudh

Abstract

The object of this research is the evolution of female image in the works of King Vajiravudh of Siam, who is considered the father of modern Thai literature. The subject of this research is the portraits of heroines in the original Thai-language works of the monarch, both dramatic and epic, which allow us tracing the artistic transformations of female images. The historical and biographical methods reveal the status of women in the new Thai society of the early XX century and how it affect the author’s views. The problematic of the “feminine” was associated with the author’s pursuit of ideal of Thai woman from ethical perspective. This is the first research on the topic within Thai or foreign historiography. The female images, the role of women in society and fate of the nation is the pervasive theme in all works by King Vajiravudh. The author disrupts the traditional canon and depicts a new woman, who claims her rights to the freedom of choice despite the patriarchal principles. At the same time, the entire gallery of female images is an attempt to find compromise between the progress and traditional values, to create the ideal of Thai woman, which could find realization in real life.