The Dynamics of the Principal Wife in Contemporary Thai Novels Over Five Decades (1969 - 2023)

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) study the dynamics of character construction, and 2) study the dynamics of role construction of the principal wife in contemporary Thai novels over the past five decades (1969–2023). Eight novels were included in the study. Data were collected using two tools: a data recording form on the dynamics of character construction and a data recording form on the dynamics of the role construction of the principal wife. The data were analyzed and synthesized, with illustrative examples provided. Data categorization was based on the conceptual framework of the research to provide a clearer overview. The research findings were presented through descriptive analysis.

The study found that the dynamics of the construction of the principal wife character in contemporary Thai novels over the past five decades revealed six aspects: 1) physical characteristics, 2) age, 3) education, 4) social status, 5) occupation, and 6) personality traits. The principal wife character was constructed to possess proportionate physical characteristics and beauty, in accordance with the Thai feminine ideal. Their ages ranged from 20–30 years, extending to 31–50 years to reflect the role of family leadership. Doctoral education was initially emphasized, while later works maintained a bachelor’s degree as the standard. Their social status ranged from affluent individuals or spouses of high-ranking government officials to those beginning to attain wealth through business and personal success. Characters of middle status struggled to establish stability independently. Their initial occupations, ranging from government officials to housewives, evolved into professional or business roles. Personality traits included intelligence, confidence, strength, pride, and politeness, along with composure. They also displayed a hot temper, willfulness, and the courage to openly express jealousy.

The dynamics of the construction of the principal wife’s role could be discussed in two main aspects: Firstly, the construction of the principal wife’s role was found in 14 dimensions, namely: 1)the role of power as the matriarch of the house; 2)the role of caring for children as a wife and family nurturer; 3) the role of caring for the husband as a wife; 4) the role of ideal behavior of a good wife; 5) the role of social rights and acceptance as a wife; 6) the role of tolerance toward the husband’s behavior; 7) the role of maintaining a happy family; 8) the right to express jealousy as a wife; 9) the role of pursuing a career; 10) contributing to the husband’s success through support; 11) the role of inheritance and post-marital stability; 12) the role of property management; 13) the role of demanding fairness in claiming alimony; 14) the role of demanding compensation from outsiders who violated marital life Lastly, the dynamics also reveal two further trajectories: 1) The transformation of the principal wife’s role 2) The continuity of that role across time.