Lesson - 5 : P10145

The Novels of Ponneelan

This lesson will teach you about the novels of Ponneelan, who has carved a niche for himself in Tamil literature. He is one of the great novelists who has committed himself to the betterment of society through literary service. Most of his novels, written after Independence, have a Marxist slant.

    "Pudiya Mottukkal" is one of those rare novels which are characterised by both gravity of content and a suitably elevated style. Ponneelan was born in a village near Nagerkoil on 15th December 1940. A novel, Kavalai, written by his mother in her old age, is quite famous. He has left his mark on several genres of literature such as poetry, short story, novel, biography, translation and so on. He received the Tamil Nadu Government's Prize for the Best Novel for his work "Karisal" in the year 1975, and the Sahitya Akademi Award for his work "Pudiya Darisanangal."

    Before studying Ponneelan's novels, it is essential to know that many of his writings have been translated into other languages. We can understand the quality of his work from this. Ponneelan's novel Pudiya Mottukkal, is based on the problems faced by families living below the poverty line. This reveals the author's social consciousness. The novel brings out the idea that one can succeed in life only through self-confidence, sustained effort and hard-work. Moreover, there cannot be a social change unless there is a change in men's attitude.

    Humanitarianism is very essential for a healthy society. Every man should be interested in his own economic progress. Only then can the whole community progress. These truths have been expounded by ponneelan in his novel Pudiya Mottukkal. The author also uses the flashback technique of narration.

    Thus this lesson teaches you all about ponneelan's novels, in particular, Pudiya Mottukkal. His novels reveal his social consciousness and Marxist leanings.