An Analytical study of Watthunglatya Kanchanaburi Literary work, Phra Chakkrot

Abstract

In this literature study of “Phra Chakkrot”, the manuscript from WatThungLat Ya, Lat Ya Sub-district, Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province was obtained by the researcher. It looks like a white paper folding book or samut-thai khao, written in black ink in Thai alphabet, 6 lines per page. The story is as long as 76 pages in a white paper folding book. The objectives this research were to translate the literature on “Phra Chakkrot” from a white paper folding book Version of WatThungLatYa, Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province and to study the characteristics of literary works in terms of composition, plot, and social reflections. The results of the study revealed that the literary story "Phra Chakkrot", Wat Thunglatya Version, Kanchanaburi Province, was the only literary story found to have a melodrama that was popular during the early Rattanakosin period. As for the verse form, it was found that it was a fairy tale poem or an octameter poem, using words from the central or western dialects with beautiful rhyme, easy to read. The main theme is about love. The protagonist has superpowers, and the ability to fight and has superhuman magic. The content is exciting and engaging. In terms of social reflections, it was found that the story included folk beliefs such as superstition, dream interpretation, belief in Buddhism, gratitude to benefactors, welcoming traditions. There was statement saying about the law prohibiting adultery, showing fear of the law and reflecting the image of a good woman according to the ideals of Thai people. This is considered to be a literature that reflects the values of the poet's era in an interesting way and is worthy of preservation.