Lesson - 5

p10135 Novels of Akilan

    This lesson focuses on the work "Ponmalar" written by Akilan. Through his characters. Akilan describes the society. Akilan is a novelist who can express human feelings in a simple manner that others can easily understand them. His novel "Nenjin Alaigal" was based on Nethaji's struggle for India's freedom. Akilan's historical novels include Vengaiyin Mainthan "வேங்கயின் மைந்தன், Kayalvizhi கயல்விழி and Vetri Thirunagar வெற்றித் திருநகர்.

    Though Akilan has written many novels on social themes. Ponmalar occupies a special place. The main characters in this novel are Sankari. Thirumurthi and Thirugnanam. Supporting characters are Gurumurthi. Muniammal and Rajeswari. Other minor characters are Kumudha, Kamatchi காமாட்சி, Baby Radha and Rangan.

    Akilan has described the society of his times clearly in this novel. From a reading of the novel. We can understand society's attitude women, and the importance attached to one's financial status. The character of Dr. Sankari has been delineated very well in the novel. Her talents and her attitude towards the others, make her unique. She is concerned about the welfare of other women too.

    The novel also discusses issues such as black money and bribery. Thirumurthi is a sadist who derives pleasure by torturing his wife Kumudha. He has a wrong notion that money can buy anything. Akilan brings out the truth, that only if social evils such as black money and bribery are rooted out, there will be a fair and free economy.

    From this lesson we learn about the novel Ponmalar. Akilan occupies a special place among Tamil writers. In his novels, importance is given to women, and the trials and tribulations they undergo in a male-dominated society. Akilan is a fearless writer who reveals the ills prevalent in society. He also highlights the truth of the saying "As you sow. So you reap". In addition, he shows how black money can wreak havoc on society.