This lesson explains the relationship between literature and language. It also tells you the various characteristics of literary verse and the important features of prose.

    We can classify the subjects of literature under four heads - romance, religion, politics and nature. Language is the only vehicle through which a writer can communicate with his readers. Only if he uses it effectively, can it make a lasting impression in the minds of the readers.

    The various forms of Tamil literature can be classified as classical and modern verse, the essay, short story and novel. Poetry is characterised by rhyme, symbolism, irony, simile, metaphor and phrasal structure.

    In the history of Tamil prose, Bharathiyar’s style is considered to be unique. It is simple, emotional and yet argumentative. Significant contributions have been made to Tamil prose by R.P.Sethu Pillai, T.P.Meenakshisundaram and Mu.Varadarajan. Mu.Vaa’s prose is notable for its simplicity, clarity and sweetness. Among the novelists mention must be made of Jayakantan, Kalki Krishnamurthy, Rajam Krishnan, K.Rajanarayanan and R.Shanmugasundaram. Novelists adopted a style unique to themselves; it could be simple and colloquial or bombastic or literary.

    From this lesson you can learn all about Tamil prose -- its beginnings, its development, its uses and its position today.