Exercises

Pure poetry

On June 26, Thais celebrate the birthday of Sunthorn Phu, one of Thailand's most beloved poets and storytellers. His work continues to inspire artists, writers and dancers today.

Born in 1786, Sunthorn Phu penned many classic poems and epic stories, including Phra Buddha Ba and Khun Chang and Khun Phan. On the occasion of his birthday, we take a look at the poem Sunthorn Phu would be best remembered for - Phra Aphaimanee, a fantasy full of giants, mermaids and romance.

FALL FROM GRACE

It all began when Sunthorn Phu was 21 years old. He had already established himself as a well respected poet, having written several popular stories. But more success was soon to follow, with King Rama II - himself a keen writer - appointing Sunthorn as a royal poet and honouring him with the title Khun Sunthorn Vorharn. His VIP status would not last long because of an argument Sunthorn had with the King's brother (Rama III). This caused the poet to fall out of favour with the King, and he soon found himself in jail.

PRISON POET

The poet's time in prison would soon prove to be a blessing. With time on his hands and an imagination running riot, Sunthorn Phu dreamed up the poem that would go down in history and make him famous.

It took Sunthorn Phu 20 years to complete Phra Aphaimanee - although some say it remains unfinished. The poem was so popular that he was able to sell short extracts while in jail and make himself a small fortune.

Sunthorn soon found himself pardoned by the King and he became a royal teacher and literary advisor. He lived the rest of his life peacefully, continuing to write until his death in 1855.

The poet is now regarded as a national treasure in Thailand, and a revered figure who still inspires people today.

EXERCISES

Read the story. Then, answer the following reading comprehension questions.

1. Who are the characters in Phra Aphaimanee?

2. Why did Sunthorn end up in jail?

3. What title did King Rama II give Sunthorn Phu?

4. How long did it take for Sunthorn Phu to finish Phra Aphaimanee?

5. What did Sunthorn sell while he was in jail?

	pen (v): to write something epic (n): a long poem about the actions of great men and women or about a nation's history appoint (v): to choose somebody for a job or position of responsibility pardon (v): to forgive somebody for something they have said or done treasure (n): a person who is much loved or valued revered (adj): greatly respected or admired

Idiom
fall out of favour: to lose the respect of someone
run riot: if your imagination, a feeling, etc. runs riot, you allow it to develop and continue without trying to control it