Female Figures in the Thai and Malay Versions of the story of The Prince of the Conch Shell: A Comparison

Abstract

This paper examines the female characters of the mak yong story Anak Raja Gondang based on figures in the Thai tale Sang Thong, following adaptations in accordance with mak yong conventions. The female characters in Anak Raja Gondang and Sang Thong play important roles in determining the destiny of the male protagonist characters, namely Anak Raja Gondang and Sang Thong. The mothers, Puteri Gak Petera and Chanthewi, lead exemplary lives as queens even when they are cast out, while Rochana and Puteri Bongsu are willing to go through hardships to prove that their husbands are indeed plausible husband material. Although these women come from vastly different backgrounds, they all share confidence as a key personality trait that helps them to have power over the male protagonist, while attaining success in their own individual pursuits. The growth of female characters from positions of weakness and submission to the attainment of strength and independence is examined within the boundaries set by their respective cultures and traditions.