Another illustration of Pope's ability is furnished when we consider his view that the naming and division of the chapters in the Kuṟaḷ cannot be definitely attributed to the author.⁷⁴ The second book has been divided into three by Parimēlaḻakar and into six by Maṇakuṭavar and other commentators have their own respective number of divisions. Regarding the title of the chapters, for chapter seven Parimēlaḷakar gives it as “putalvaraippeṟutal” and his explanation includes only sons and not daughters. Manakkuṭavar names the chapter as “makkatpēṟu.” Pope has expanded the title to include girls also.

He asserts that he translates the original Kuṟaḷ (63 number) “preserving the ambiguity.”⁷⁵

Pope - like a true critic - appreciates Tiruvaḷḷuvar. “The eclactic poet has selected, I suppose the choicest epithets existing in the language and several which admit of being explained in various senses.”⁷⁶ Among the epithets he feels, “The periphrasis for God here, is especially fine.” Again he writes “The beautiful word “mukamalarcci” is used for “cheerfulness” (Kuṟaḷ 30).⁷⁷ Once again “The use of “paṭu” is noteworthy.”⁷⁸ In this context it is essential to remember that “paṭu” here is used in the passive voice. Caldwell thought Tamil was “destitute of the passive voice” (treated more elaborately in the chapter on grammar).

In Kuṟaḷ 297 in the phrase “ceyyāmai ceyyāmai”, Beschi sees a double negative, while Pope believes that it is a repetition which is used to emphasise.⁷⁹ Pope's interpretation is largely accepted.

In chapter 31, Pope shows that for the title “vekuḷāmai” the commonest corresponding word is “kōpam” but this latter word is of Sanskrit origin and is not to be found in this chapter.⁸⁰

74. P.T.S.K.P. 232

75. Ibid. P. 208

76. Ibid. P. 189

77. Ibid. P. 212

78. Ibid. P. 230

79. Ibid. P. 239

80. Ibid. P. 240