I.

Title
Tum Teav is the tragic love story of a talented novice monk named Tum and a beautiful adolescent
girl named Teav. Well known throughout Cambodia since at least the middle of the 19th century,
the story has been told in oral, historical, literary, theatre, and film versions. This monograph
contains the author’s translation of the Venerable Botumthera Som’s version. It also examines the
controversy over the poem’s authorship and its interpretation by literary scholars and performers
in terms of Buddhism and traditional codes of conduct, abuse of power, and notions of justice.
II. Author
George Chigas is an Associate Teaching Professor in Cambodian Studies at the University of
Massachusetts Lowell, where he teaches courses in Cambodian literature and cultural history. He is
the author of Tum Teav, A Translation and Literary Analysis of a Cambodian Classic.
III. Synopsis
It revolves around the forbidden love between Tum, a handsome young scholar, and Teav, a
beautiful girl from a wealthy family.
The story is set in ancient Cambodia during the Angkorian period. Tum and Teav fall deeply in
love despite societal barriers and the difference in their social statuses. Their love is pure and
sincere, but it faces opposition from Teav's family, particularly her mother who wants Teav to
marry someone of higher status. Due to the societal pressure and familial objections, Tum is sent
away to study, and Teav is coerced into an arranged marriage with a man of her family's choosing.
Despite their separation, Tum and Teav remain devoted to each other, their love enduring through
the trials they face.
Tragedy strikes when Tum returns and discovers Teav's forced marriage. Consumed by grief and
unable to bear the loss of his beloved, Tum tragically dies at Teav's feet. Overwhelmed by sorrow
and guilt, Teav takes her own life shortly after. Their deaths symbolize the tragic consequences of
societal norms and the powerlessness of true love against societal constraints.
The story of Tum Teav remains a poignant and timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and the enduring
strength of genuine affection in the face of societal barriers.
IV. Plot

The story introduces Tum, a young scholar, and Teav, a beautiful girl from a wealthy family in
ancient Cambodia. Despite their difference in social status, Tum and Teav fall deeply in love. Their
love is pure but faces opposition from Teav's family, particularly her mother, who desires Teav to
marry someone from a higher social class.

Tum is sent away to pursue his studies, and Teav is pressured into an arranged marriage with a
man chosen by her family. Despite their separation, Tum and Teav remain devoted to each other,
their love enduring through the challenges of distance and societal expectations.

Upon Tum's return, he discovers Teav's forced marriage. Overwhelmed by grief and unable to bear
the loss of his beloved, Tum tragically dies at Teav's feet. This heartbreaking moment marks the
climax of the story, as the consequences of societal pressure become devastatingly apparent.

Teav, consumed by sorrow and guilt, is devastated by Tum's death. Overwhelmed by the weight of
her circumstances, she takes her own life shortly after Tum's passing. Their deaths signify the tragic
consequences of societal norms and the powerlessness of their love against social constraints.
 The story concludes with the tragic demise of both lovers, Tum and Teav, emphasizing the
enduring strength of their love in the face of societal barriers. Their deaths serve as a poignant
reminder of the profound impact societal expectations and family pressures can have on genuine
love, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking and tragic end for the devoted couple.

V. Theme/ Moral
Devotion and Sacrifice: Tum and Teav's unwavering love for one another highlights themes of
commitment and selflessness. The extent of their devotion to one another is demonstrated by their
readiness to put up with social criticism and separation for the sake of their love.

In the end, "Tum Teav" is a warning about the ability of society standards to control people's lives
and the terrible outcomes that might occur when love conflicts with these expectations. It makes
one think about the difficulties of love and the huge challenges that come with social norms.