This lesson discusses the writings of Puthumaipithan, one of the greatest Tamil short story writers. It discusses in detail the various aspects of his works.

    A renowned writer of short stories, Puthumaipithan occupies a very important place in Tamil literature. He is widely acclaimed for the radical changes he brought about in the Tamil literary scenario after Bharathiyar.

    Born on 25th April, 1906, Puthumaipithan was originally named Virudachalam. He lost his mother at the age of eight and suffered cruel treatment at the hands of his stepmother. Having no interest in studies, he passed school with great difficulty. He joined the Hindu College, Tirunelveli for his B.A. degree. It was during this period that he developed a liking for English novels. He read several detective novels, which inspired him to write stories. After completing his degree, he married Kamalambal. Unable to find a suitable job, Puthumaipithan spent much of his life in poverty. His stories capture the disillusionment and poverty he experienced in life.

    Puthumaipithan started his literary career by writing stories for “Manikodi”. Puthumaipithan is not only an accomplished writer of short stories. He also made his mark in other genres such as the novel, political essays, critical reviews, poetry, translation, biographies and drama. The letters he wrote to his wife were recently compiled and published.

    A voracious reader, Puthumaipithan was familiar with the best in world literature. He was also well versed in Tamil literature. Combining tradition and modernity, he went on to create some of the most original and finest short stories in Tamil. An acute social consciousness and profound thinking characterize his stories. They also reflect his rebellious spirit and his urge to create something new.

    In a writing career spanning 12 years Puthumaipithan wrote 98 short stories. He wrote about people from the lowest sections of society, which was hitherto unheard of. As a story-teller, he never distanced himself from his readers. He also made it clear that his stories were not didactic in purpose.

    K.R. Muthaiah classifies the various themes underlying Puthumaipithan’s stories. They are: individual feelings, doctrines, social conflicts, love, the pretensions of city life, the supernatural, poverty, irony and sarcasm. Among his stories, “Ponnagaram” which questions established notions of chastity and “Sabavimosanam” where Ahalya turns stone again were much debated. Puthumaipithan’s characters are drawn from real life. He writes about people from the fringes of society. Men and women who have lost hope in life, who have been betrayed by friends, disappointed lovers, widows, the meek and the downtrodden and people who cheat society in the name of religion recur in his stories. Though Puthumaipithan had faith in man, he disapproved of the meaningless social codes man had created. Hence his outlook of society was always satirical. In “Thunbakeni” he explores the problem of untouchability while “Vadamalligai” captures the plight of widows. The issue of poverty is dealt with in many of his stories. Puthumaipithan’s style is marked by irony and sarcasm. The purpose of his humour is not to generate laughter but to expose the follies of society. He writes crisply and chooses his words with care. The force of his words strike us in every story.