Abstract:
This thesis aims to study the historical novel of Kukdej Kantamara in terms of the characterization of the main characters and the distinguishing characteristics of the novels. It is found that all of the historical novels of Kukdej Kantamara are biographies of the heroes and heroines which the author aims to portray their lives as role models in various aspects. Some of the main characters have long been admired for their heroic qualities while some are unsung heroes. And some are well-known persons who have not yet been hailed as heroes while some are even perceived negatively by the public. In presenting the lives of these great men, several literary techniques are employedincluding the creation of plots and stories, the characterization of the supporting characters and the presentation of the stories. In order to praise their heroic deeds, the author cleverly creates the plots by combining selected historical events with his imagination and details of all events are carefully managed. Another technique used to glorify the main characters includes the presentation of their lives through the description of events, dialogues and beautiful illustrations. Apart from being solely biographies of heroes and heroines of the Ayutthaya period, the historical novel of Kukdej Kantamara is distinctive in terms of its academic style full ofconcise narration, literary allusions and exquisite illustrations. These unique characteristics result largely from the background of the author himself and the means of diffusion of the novels.