SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis makes the theoretical assumption that literary analysis will consider the interraction between the reader, the writer and the texts. The Introduction explains the significance of Sidaoru'ang and her short story writing in the context of contemporary Thai literature and of academic studies of the literature of South East Asia. It discusses some problems in addressing the various audiences who may find this work of interest. In addition it outlines the theoretical approach taken in this study. Chapter One discusses Sidaoru'ang's own personal background, defining the significant events and influences which led her to begin writing short stories in the 1970s. Chapter Two provides synopses and an analysis of Sidaoru'ang's short stories published in the initial stage of her literary career, between 1975 and 1976. It sets these works in the context of her own development as a writer and within the troubled political climate in which she was working. Chapter Three examines the effects of the aftermath of October 6, 1976 on Sidaoru'ang's fiction. It goes on to discuss the broadening range of themes with which Sidaoru'ang began to deal as her interests moved away from political activism and towards the family and motherhood. Chapter Four attests to a much stronger identity in Sidaoru'ang herself, both resulting from, and conveyed in, her writing. In this period of her career, from 1983-1986, her major concern lies with themes of isolation and incarceration, silencing and suppression, sexual inequality and madness. Chapter Five concentrates largely upon the highly experimental form of Sidaoru'ang's writing during the 1987-1990 period of her work. As a result of having consolidated her literary career Sidaoru'ang's stories demonstrate a more playful and experimental approach to themes which have interested her since the 1980s. In conclusion this thesis asserts that the relationship between Sidaoru'ang's own identity and her short story writing is one of complex interdependence. The act of writing serves the purpose of allowing Sidoaru'ang to assert herself in an environment very different from the one in which she originated; and her short stories themselves are often investigations of highly personal issues which contribute to the consolidation of her identity. Appendices include a detailed list of the publishing history of each of Sidaoru'ang's short stories, a list of literary awards made to Sidaoru'ang, and translations into English of four of her texts, one from each period of her work delineated in Chapters Two-Five.