อภิรูปวัณณา : การชมความงามตัวละครเอกในวรรณคดีเขมร

Abstract

Paean is considered one of literary conventions in Khmer literature. Theuse of ‘paean’ in Khmer literature falls into 2 categories.  One is used to talk aboutgeneral appearance, in which main female characters are described as beingas beautiful as a goddess or the moon, whereas the male ones are depicted asgod-like figures - as beautiful as Indra (King of Heaven), Suriya (Sun God),Rajasiha (The lion king) or sometimes the Candra (Moon God).The other category of paean emphasizes some specific features. This kindof paean is found only in female heroines. For instance, a heroine is describedas having a face as beautiful as a full moon. Her tresses are compared to thesilky wings of Carpenter bee. Her eyes are as shining as black pearls. Her earsare as beautiful, according to the Khmers, as rudder. Her breasts are comparedto persimmon.Paean is used to emphasize the distinguished beauty of a character,making them extraordinary and fascinating. The exquisite figures always inspireimagination and fascination, thereby meeting what readers expect to obtain fromreading a piece of literature - that is to provide readers with pleasure.