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LESSON - 6
P10216 - The Prose of Thiru.Vi. Ka
Thiru.Vi. Ka is one of the major exponents of prose of the 20th century. This lesson focuses on the literary merits of his unique prose style. A great scholar of the Tamil language, Thiru. Vi. Kalyanasundaranar played a major role in the growth of Tamil prose. As the editor of ‘Desabaktan’, a Tamil journal, he wrote for the cause of the freedom movement. His evocative prose inspired people to rise in protest against injustices. In 1920 he established the weekly journal, ‘Navasakthi.’ His writings in this journal kindled the spirit of nationalism among the masses.
A prolific writer, Thiru.Vi.Ka has authored nearly 50 books. His prose is characterized by pithy remarks, rhetorical and exclamatory statements, neologisms and striking metaphors and similes.
Thiru.Vi.Ka revived Tamil prose and offered it a new lease of life. Prose of the 19th century was marked by a laborious style. Prose works of this period were often characterized by long, tedious sentences and a heavily ornate style, unintelligible to the common man. Thiru.Vi. Ka. broke this tradition by adopting a simple prose style known for its brevity, clarity and simplicity. He enriched the language of prose by interspersing his works with arresting symbols and neologisms. His lucid style appealed even to the layman. His prose is also noted for its humour and poetic intensity.