1、 Introduction

After Cambodia became a French protectorate in 1863, domestic literature was influenced by colonialism, and novels became a means of reflecting social reality and disseminating ideas. As an early modern novel, Ne Tem's "The Rose of Mount Everest" emphasizes the importance of Khmer national culture and echoes the national consciousness in the colonial context by telling the story of class crossing in Jidra, laying the foundation for the formation of anti colonial ideas. This work holds an important position in the history of Cambodian literature and provides a reference for studying the mutual construction relationship between literature and social thought.

2、 Cambodian literature under the French colonial background

After Cambodia became a French colony in 1863, its literary creation was influenced by French culture, but at the same time, writers also used the form of novels to express national consciousness. France's strict control over the publishing industry restricted the circulation of works that directly reflected colonial rule, while the introduction of machine printing made novels mainstream. Cambodian writers follow the French literary paradigm in their creations, avoiding direct contact with colonial rule, but subtly expressing national emotions through themes such as love, promoting the construction of national identity. In the mid-20th century, national consciousness was revived under the promotion of modern education, and Angkor Wat became a national symbol. Although France has promoted the awareness of "**", the imbalance of its rule has led to a gap in cultural development. The prosperity of Vietnamese novels and the absence of Cambodian novels have stimulated the creative enthusiasm of intellectuals. Although works such as' The Rose of Mount Everest 'do not directly discuss colonial rule, they showcase the tendency towards national independence through textual details, reflecting national needs and modernity. These novels are often serialized in the Cambodian Sun magazine, echoing the national consciousness of Buddhist schools and reflecting intellectuals' reflections on the future of the nation. As a pioneering work, "The Rose of Mount Everest" provides a new perspective for understanding Cambodian literature during the colonial period due to its ethnic characteristics.

3、 Ethnic characteristics in landscape geography

The Rose of Mount Everest reinforces the sense of identity of the Khmer nation by depicting the natural and cultural landscapes of Cambodia. The description of natural landscapes in the novel, such as villages, mountains, jungles, rice paddies, and Burmese cinnamon trees, as well as the incorporation of traditional mythology and religious terminology, such as "The Prince of the Sun" and "Walking Around the Buddhist Temple," all reflect the ethnic characteristics of Cambodia. In addition, the novel also meticulously depicts the architectural style of Cambodia, such as the relief of the celestial dog eating the moon, echoing the construction of Khmer ethnic culture by the elite class in the 1930s. The author Ne Tem refuted the stereotype of French colonizers towards Cambodia in his work, emphasizing the independence and cultural values of the Khmer nation. The distinction of ethnic identity in the novel places the Khmer people in a dominant position, which helps to shape national consciousness and leadership status.

4、 National Reflection under the Metaphor of Love Growth

An in-depth analysis of the themes of love and growth in the novel "Rose on Mount Everest" reveals their close connection with the fate of the nation. The love story between Jidela and Kunali is not only a symbol of personal growth, but also reflects the author's profound contemplation on the future of the nation. The introduction of 'Ode to Youth' places love stories in a broader social context, implying the interweaving of national mission and personal emotions. The novel metaphorically portrays the plight of the Cambodian people under colonial rule and their desire for independence through the unrequited love and longing for love of Jidela. The class differences and ultimate union between Jidela and Kunali symbolize the strengthening of national cohesion and the elevation of economic status. Jidela's growth experience embodies the national spirit of "self-reliance" and demonstrates the qualities required for national development. At the same time, the combination of Buddhist elements and nationalist ideas in the novel reflects the awakening of social trends and national consciousness at that time.

5、 Modern Education and Resistance Emotions

Nie Tem demonstrated the importance of modern education in national rejuvenation through the character of Jidra in the novel "Rose of Mount Everest". Jidela's knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry made him a role model for modern youth, while also reflecting the reality of colonial education. The novel reveals the purpose of French colonial education, which was to serve colonial rule through cultural assimilation, rather than promoting the interests of the Cambodian nation. Jidela's educational background and experience highlighted the social problem in Cambodia during the 1930s and 1940s, namely the mismatch between education and job opportunities. The novel emphasizes the importance of modern education through the confrontation between Gidera and the county mayor, reflecting the negation of traditional classes and power, as well as the tendency to resist colonial rule. Jidela's actions and choices symbolize the awakening of national consciousness, giving new meaning to the Khmer national identity.

6、 Conclusion

The Rose of Mount Everest showcases the cultural charm and national resistance spirit of Cambodia under French colonial rule through literary form, reflecting the Khmer cultural concepts of the 1930s and promoting the awakening of national consciousness. Although the work lacks artistic quality, the author Ne Tem's use of new art forms and grasp of national development trends make it an important work that connects the lifeline of the times and expresses the people's desire for national rejuvenation.