Abstract:
This research is an analytical study of Kalaket, a literary work of the Northeastern part of Thailand. The analysis deals with the content, actors, social background and literary values. A comparative study of Kalaket with other versions in content and relations is also undertaken. The research is devided into 6 chapters. The first one gives a general information on the geography of the Northeast, the aim and the extent of the work. Chapter 2 deals with a comparative study of various versions of Kalaket : lullaby, Lakhon Nok, play, and television and movie scripts. Chapter 3 discusses type, content, and characters of Kalaket of the Northeast. Chapter 4 goes on social concepts in Kalaket, the literature of the Northeast. Chapter 5 describes literary values in the forms of prosody and figures of speech. The last chapter is a conclusion of the study that Kalaket of the Northeast is both a romance and religious story. It abounds in beautiful expressions. The content concerns with the Bhodhisatva and Dharma is emphasized in the way of living. The story also depicts Northeastern culture. The author suggests that a further comparative study of Kalaket with other romances and religious literatures could be taken.