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- P102314 P.SUNDARAM PILLAI'S MANONMANEEYAM
This lesson explains the greatness of "Manonmaneeyam", which deals with the heroic qualities of the Tamils and their closeness to nature. It also speaks of the transience of man's life. It points out how comedies have generally been more popular than tregedies among the Tamils."Manonmaneeyam" tells us about the harm done by the wicked to the good, and how ultimately the good emerges victorious. This play is unique in the sense that, like English plays, it is divided into Acts and Scenes.
Among the plays written to be read and acted, "Manonmaneeyam" occupies an important place. P.Sundaram Pillai has written this play, following the pattern of Shakespeare's plays. "Manonmaneeyam" is divided into five Acts, and sub-divided into 20 scenes. It ends happily, and hence can be called a comedy. It is a verse play.
The playwright P.Sundaram Pillai was born in Aalapuzha in 1855. In 1877, he began his career as a teacher. Later he became a Lecturer of Philosophy in the Government college in Trivandrum, and then an Officer in the Revenue Department of the Royal Palace. But in 1885, he rejoined the Government College as Professor of Philosophy, and remained in that position till the end. He died when he was just 42. In his death, Tamil drama lost an eminent playwright.
The distinguishing features of "Manonmaneeyam" are:
1) That it is in the form of a classical play and
2) That it is divided into acts and scenes like the English plays.As the dramatist was a Lecturer in Philosophy, his play is studded with philosophical ideas which do not intrude, but are appropriate to the character who utters them. The dramatist also reveals his love of nature through his descriptions.
P.Sundaram Pillai breathed new life into Tamil drama. He wrote the first verse play, one which could be read and acted. Its characterisation and dialogues reveal the dramatist's greatness.
This lesson tells you all this and more. You can read it in detail and appreciate the greatness of "Manonmaneeyam".