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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".
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