Abstract:
Social context plays an important role in the construction of one's identity because the social discourses that are dominant at a given time help shape one's thoughts and behaviors. Thus, when the context changes, one's identity changes with it. Furthermore, social context determines the acceptability of one's identity. An identity that is similarly constructed may be differently perceived and accepted in different social contexts. This thesis studies the complex relationship between identity and the changing social contexts in six Thai time-travel romance novels: Taepangkon by Kaeokao, Phrengphob by Khitanchali, Krittaya by Thommayanti, Duarangathithan by Kingchat, Roymai by Phongsakorn and Nimitra by Warangkhana. These novels illustrate how the changing social contexts help shape the characters' identities and determine their acceptability, which in turn influences the success of their romances. In the feudal past, class, gender, and race were major obstacles for the protagonists. In the present, however, the rise of capitalism and the democratization of the political system make it possible for characters who come from different backgrounds to fall in love and to succeed in their romances.