An Analysis of Nang in the Literary Works of Prince Thammathibet

Abstract

This research article is qualitative research whose primary objective was to examine and propose the presumption of who ‘Nang (she)’ in the literature composed by Prince Thammathibet referred to. The focus was placed on a document analysis of 4 literary works written by Prince Thammathibet, namely, 1) Royal Barge Songs, 2) Nirat Thansok, 3) Nirat Than Thongdaeng, and 4) Love Poem with 3 Versions in comparison with three historical documents: Kham Hai Kan Chao Krung Kao (Testimony on the people of Ayutthaya), Kham Hai Kan Khun Luang Wat Pradu Songtham: Ek Ka San Chak Ho Luang (Testimony of Khun Luang Wat Pradu Songtham: Documents from the Royal Palace), and Kham Hai Kan Khun Luang Ha Wat (Testimony of Khun Luang Ha Wat). The results revealed that ‘Nang’ addressed in the literary works of Prince Thammathibet existed in the real world, not as a fictitious character.  Besides, ‘Nang’ referred to 3 women: 1) Royal Consort Chao Fah Num Krom Khun Yee Saraseni, 2) Consort Sangwan, and 3) Lady Yek. The most important woman was Chao Fah Num Krom Khun Yee Saraseni since she was appointed the royal consort, directly received from the king. Consort Sangwan was the woman Prince Thammathibet loved the most, while Lady Yek was the woman with whom the prince was dissatisfied because she committed adultery.