A STUDY OF SOCIAL REFLECTION IN PROTAGONISTS OF LAO SEA WRITE AWARD-WINNING SHORT STORIES

Abstract

Background and Objectives: A Study of Social Reflection in Protagonists of Lao SEA Write Award-Winning Short Stories "Half Price" by Piti Tiwachon, which received the Southeast Asian Writers Award (SEA Write) in 2020 for Laos. The Thai translation was undertaken by Jintrai. This study aims to analyze the roles and social statuses of the protagonists within the contexts of social, economic, and cultural frameworks.

Methods: This study analyzed the literary work “Half Price” by Piti Tiwachon through Marxist thought and socio-cultural context. Data were collected from 15 short stories and related concepts. Data were then analyzed using a data recording form, organized, interpreted, and synthesized according to the concept.

Key Findings: The findings reveal that among the 15 short stories, there are 11 male protagonists and 4 female protagonists. The Social Reflection of these characters are categorized into two dimensions- protagonists perspectives, protagonist and society.

Implications of the Study: This analysis reveals the complexity of the protagonists, reflecting the socio-economic structure of Laos during a transitional period. It underscores the challenges of living in a rural context confronted by urban economic and cultural systems. The characters' struggles portray the essence of the unfair social structure which reflects the national, regional and global contexts.

Conclusions and Future Research: This study underscores the importance of social reflection in protagonists of Lao SEA Write Award-Winning Short Stories "Half Price" by Piti Tiwachon. Future studies could explore the impact of multiculturalism on the way of life of people in the ASEAN should be studied through literary work.