Southeast

Asian
Literature
(Thai and Burmese)
Brief General History of Southeast Asian
Literature

Southeast Asian literature includes: regions south of China and east of

India, includes the modern nations of Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos,
Vietnam, The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia

Major influences on Southeast Asian literature are: religion, politics,

colonization and oral traditions.
Brief General History of Southeast Asian
Literature
Western literature influences on Southeast Asian Literature was
heavy on literary genres such as: the novel, the short story, the play,
and the essay including poetry.
Trivia
Thai Literature
Independent since the beginning
Has been using vernacular in their
literature since the beginning (Siamese
language, Sukhothai script, writing was
based on Pali, Sanskrit, and Indian
concepts, and with Mon and Khmer
words)
Burmese Literature
Influenced by Thai Literature (and
Western Literature)
Produced in vernacular in the 20th
century along with other colonized
country (language adopted words
primarily from Pali)
Brief History of Thai Literature

● Body of writings of the Thai (Siamese) people, historically fostered

by the kings, who themselves often produced outstanding literary
works.
● Before 19th century, Thai literary works were in poetry
● Prose was for historical records, chronicles, and legal documents.
● Thailand possesses a large number of epic poems or long poetic tales
● Exerted influence on the literature especially in Cambodia, Laos, and
Burma.
Thai Literature: The Golden Harvest

The Golden Harvest

is by determination and constant wishing for wealth the couple who
thought they were working a way to turn copper into gold found
themselves earning much more than they thought they would actually
earn.
The Golden Harvest: The Story
The Golden Harvest: Characters

● Nai Hah Tong- the son in law and the husband of Nang Song Sai who
wished and strive to find a way to turn the red copper into a valuable gold.

● Nang Song Sai- a very supportive wife to her husband and a good daughter
who had a little faith in magic

● Father of Nang Song Sai- the wise and caring father in law of Nai Hah
Tong, the one who somewhat made him believe of something impossible
yet attain the same outcome they all wished to attain.
The Golden Harvest: Definition of Terms

● Tical – the former monetary in Thailand replaced by the Baht

● Fuzz – a mass or coating of light fibers, hairs, or, particles
● Wat – a Buddhist monastery or temple
● Saffron – a color that is a tone of golden yellow
● Myriad – a countless or extreme great number
The Golden Harvest: Points

1. Through impossible beliefs the couple managed to get rich by

actually not trying to get rich.

2. Through both their hard works instead of waiting for the copper to
turn into gold they had earned and cared for bananas for their own
wealth.

3. Nai Hah Tong's father in law was wise and was able to help them by
saying the false words yet gain much more from it.
The Golden Harvest: Point of View and Setting

● Third Point of View

● Old Ayudhya
The Golden Harvest: Conflict and Symbolism

● How to turn copper into gold

● Banana fruit
The Golden Harvest: Theme

● Foolishness
● Hard work
● Patience
● Desire
The Golden Harvest: Moral

A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat,

determination and hard work as we take on challenges.
Brief History of Brumese Literature

● Historically influenced by Indian and Thai cultures

● The Burmese language adopted words primarily from Pali
● Has the tendency to reflect local folklore and culture.
● Very important aspect of Burmese life steeped in the Pali Canon of
Buddhism
● Instruction was bilingual, in both English and Burmese known as Anglo-
Vernacular during the British Colonial era
● Played a key role in disseminating nationalism among the Burmese during
the colonial era
Brief History of Brumese Literature: About U Nu

Nu (U Nu) also known by the honorific name Thakin Nu

● 25 May 1907 – 14 February 1995
● leading Burmese statesman and nationalist politician
● the first Prime Minister of Burma under 1947 Constitution of the
Union of Burma