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(Book Reviews)(Book Reviews)(Book Reviews)(Book Reviews)

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Copyright –Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar

February 2013

Published through the Net for Free circulation

Maraimalai Ilakkuvanar

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Anna nagar western Extension,

Chennai-Tamilnadu,

INDIA-PIN 600 101

Mobile:+91+9445407120

Landline:+91+44+26153561

maraimalai@yahoo.com

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A Criticism of Free Verse in Tamil of Singapore" by

M.Thiyagarajan

-A Book Review

By ILAKKUVANAR MARAIMALAI

Free Verse is a form of Poetry composed of either rhymed or

unrhymed lines that have no set fixed metrical pattern. There are

thousands of definitions for the genre free verse, but we can have a

glance of the definition given by Britannica Encyclopedia (concise):

"Poetry organized according to the cadences of speech and image

patterns rather than according to a regular metrical scheme. Its

rhythms are based on patterned elements such as sounds, words,

phrases, sentences, and paragraphs, rather than on the traditional

units of metrical feet (see metrical foot). Free verse thus eliminates

much of the artificiality and some of the aesthetic distance of poetic

expression. It became current in English poetics in the early 20th

century. "

Free verse claims to be free from the constraints of regular meter and

fixed forms. This makes the poem free to find its own shape

according to what the poet - or the poem - wants to say, but still

allows him or her to use rhyme, alliteration, rhythms or cadences (etc)

to achieve the effects that s/he feels are appropriate. Here a poet

evolves a kind of self-prosody which is the outcome of the artistic

pursuit for a sophisticated form of expression.

Free verse in Tamil is called as "Puthu Kavithai" (New Poetry).The

poets who contribute 'New poetry' in Tamil have done a considerable

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variety or kinds in this form and as a result of their achievement it has

become a Genre

Poets in Tamilnadu who have a good command of conventional

prosody and at the same time wish to perform some new experiments

so as to evolve a modern literary form are the forerunners of Free

verse in Tamil.

Thamizhanban, Abdul Rahman and many other poets who belong to

the Bharatidasan School alone have succeeded in their modernist

experiments.

But there is another kind of Free verse in Tamil.

People who do not know prosody -who do not even know the

syntactic structure of Tamil language- and who wish to gain

popularity, scribble something to suit their fancies and pose

themselves as modernist poets. Such kind of poets are patronized by

literary magazines and their gimmicks with ungrammatical utterances

are misunderstood y the serious readers as the products of avant-

gardism

The modernist literary trends evolved in the western countries are the

outcome of the post-war scenario and industrial revolution. Karl Marx,

Sigmund Freud and Charles Darwin were the path-breakers, not only

in the history of mankind, but also in the thinking process of man.

Approaches to life and arguments in Philosophy gained new vision

and provoked a kaleidoscopic variety of arguments and counter-

arguments.

Inventions in Atomic physics and explorations in the space, made the

mankind, reach new zeniths of intellect. Literature had its impact from

printing technology and the development of photography. The

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modernist trends in painting like Cubism, Fauvism, Impressionism

and Expressionism provoked the modern poets. Symbolism, Imagism

and Obscurantism attracted them and the verse libre had its origin in

these kinds of post-war

modernist trends.

The theme of "International citizen" and the sublime value of

Humanism found their places, crossing borders. Japanese haiku was

adopted by Europeans and Americans.

Haiku contests were conducted in English by many Airline companies

in U.S.

The poems of T.S.Eliot were translated in Japanese language and

many Eliot clubs were founded in Japan. The intermingling of East

and West was considered as the only way to achieve unity and

solidarity of mankind.

To put it brief, the countries which were hostile and inimical before

the Second World War craved for peace and prosperity. The calamity

and chaos they witnessed during the war taught them new lessons.

They now understood that by ignoring the ethnic and geographical

divisions mankind should get united and speak in one voice against

oppression in any kind by any force. This vision made poets crossing

the borders to advocate for Humanism.

But in India, which was the least affected by the wars, the scene is a

different one.

As a country of Thiruvalluvar, Buddha and Mahavira, India preached

and practiced Non-violence. The freedom struggle under the

leadership of Mahatma Gandhi followed ahimsa, the non-violent

approach. One world theory is not new to India." Every country is my

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country and every man is my relative" is the lofty maxim gave by the

Tamil poet Kaniyan poongkundranaar, three thousand years ago.

India never witnessed an industrial revolution. The socio-economic

background of Europe which was the nursery of modernism can not

be equated with that of India. Here in India, there was the need for a

war against the atrocities committed in the name of religion. The

practice of Untouchability was so prevalent in almost all of the Indian

villages.

Mahatma Phule, Mahatma Gandhi, Periyar E.V.R. and B.R.Ambedkar

dedicated their lives for the uplift of the oppressed 'lower caste'

Hindus. The caste system and discrimination were eliminated by their

sincere efforts at least among the educated urban people. Stringent

laws are enforced to ban the discrimination in the name of caste. The

modern India owes for its emergence as a welfare state not only to

leaders like them but also to poets who propagated the lofty ideals of

Phule,Gandhi, Periyar and Ambedkar.

If modernism was the maxim that motivated the western poets,

Gandhian thoughts and progressive views were the force behind the

Indian poets during the post-war period.

It is the post-colonial period that witnessed the switch over to western

thoughts and literary trends in India. The craze for imitating the

western experiments infected the Indian literary scene like an

epidemic fever from the Mount Himalayas to Cape Comorin.

Poets justified their Eurocentric misadventures and succeeded in

their attempt to popularize the Free verse, a blend of meaningless

matter and misleading manner.

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Now Free verse has emerged as a genre in Indian languages with

various kinds to suit different sets of audience.Hiaku, senryu and

limeraiku have flourished and found their way to attain important

places in Indian languages.

We, as critics, can not prescribe rules and dictate them to poets. The

new genres have to be analyzed, appreciated and acknowledged

without any hesitation.

Dr.Thyagarajan, an Assistant Professor in NIE, Singapore, has done

a laudable work in analyzing the modern Tamil Poetry of Singapore.

An objective study with a superb critical acumen is accomplished in

this wonderful study of modern Tamil poetry of Singapore.Through

this book one can understand the changing trends in modern Tamil

poetry of Singapore. The poems of Ka.Thu.Mu.Iqbal, Ka.Ilangoven,

Kumari Gnanapragasam Monica, C.Meenaakshi, Mohammed Ali,

Azhagiapandian and Tajuddin form the source material for this

analysis.Dr.Thiyagarajan has well established in this book the leading

trends of free verse written in Singapore.

Individualism, Avant gardism, Progressivism and Populism are the

main trends of Modern Tamil Poetry in Singapore, according to

Dr.M.Thyagarajan.

Dr.Thyagarajan does not assail any poet in this tiny volume. He

neither reprimands them nor impeaches them by putting any blame

on them.

Content-analysis, Exponential approach, Descriptive analysis and

literary appreciation are the methods he has practiced in this book.

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The first chapter, titled "Origin and Growth of New Poetry-A bird's

view" attempts to give the evolution of the Free verse in Europe,

U.S.A and its impact in Asian countries.

The author, Dr.M.Thiyagarajan, describes the modernist experiments

of Picasso in Painting and the reflection of such innovative ideas

attempted by Apollianaire in poetry.

He has given a clear narration of the emergence of Free verse in

western countries and the role played by T.S.Elliot, Ezra Pound and

others in popularizing the modernist techniques. The literary

revolution of Walt Whitman who ventured to stage a rebellion against

the British colonialism by his disobedience to the English prosody and

the welcome to his efforts in India are vividly portrayed by the author.

Bharatiyar, the morning star of modern poetry in Tamil and his impact

and influence in Indian poetry have found an important place in this

chapter. The author should have explained the role of Bharatidasan,

hailed as the revolutionary poet, who played a prominent role inthe

development of modern poetry in Tamil.Iconoclasaticity, Thematic

surprise and Technical innovation ,the three important theories,

followed by Bharatidasan.These three theories turned as practices in

his poetry, attracted a number of young poets and thousands of

brilliant poets contributed enervating poems in exuberant style,

vibrant enough to usher in a new era of rationalism and literary

renaissance.

As this volume is a compilation of essays presented at several

academic bodies, this omission may not be a deliberate one. But

without mentioning the revolutionary path of Bharatidasan in modern

Tamil poetry any survey of modern Tamil poetry is incomplete and

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imperfect. These essays catered to the need of various literary

seminars and the author can not be blamed.

Even then this first chapter is a highly commendable survey of

modern and modernist trends in twentieth century poetry. The role of

Individualism, Avant-gardism, Socialism and Populism in modern

poetry is well explained by Dr.M.Thiyagarajan, who deserves many

laurels and accolades for such an enlightening essay- educative,

informative and thought-provoking. Singaporeans may feel proud to

have such an art-critic and literary theoretician in their country.

Though this chapter is a tiny one consisting of fifteen pages the

message carried and the literary acumen behind this have no

comparison.

A short history of the modern art, the origin of the verse libre in

European countries, the modernist trends in art and literature with

their reflection in the making of free verse as a new genre, the

influence and impact of Walt Whitman on Bharatiyar, the

development of Tamil New poetry in the second half of the twentieth

century and the current literary scene, are all portrayed, in a detailed

manner, with the help of a short and efficient narration of relevant

information.

The second chapter deals with the origin and development of Tamil

New Poetry in Singapore. The author finds five important factors for

the growth and spread of free verse in Singapore. They are:

1) The thirst for innovative approaches and origin of a lateral thinking

among writers

2) The ignorance of Tamil prosody and lack of knowledge (particularly

Tamil culture and language)

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3) Declining number of Traditional poets

4) Lack of audience for traditional poetry

5) The warm reception and wider publicity given to new poetry in

media (both electronic and print media)

The volumes of New poetry in (Singapore) Tamil, published in the

years between 1965 and 1990, are the source material for this

analysis. According to Dr.M.Thiyagarajan, the first volume of new

poetry in Tamil (vizhic cannalkalin pinnaalirunthu) was published in

the year 1979 at Singapore. The pioneer Poet Ka.Ilangoven hardly

found any follower for his experimental effort in verse libre.It

prompted him to publish another volume (mauna vatham) in

1984.Even then no body dared to follow him. Perhaps his aversion to

the traditional values and his onslaught on Tamil culture in his poems

made the Singaporean Tamil poets hesitate to write verse libre

following Ilangovan.Thereafter he published a bilingual collection of

his poems(in English &Tamil) titled "Transcreations."in 1988.

It was Poet Ka.Thu.Mu.Iqbal who succeeded in popularizing verse

libre in Tamil at Singapore. His volume titled "Mugavarikal."

Contained both conventional poems and new poetry. The long poetic

career of Iqbal, his concern to cherish sublime values and Tamil

culture, had already earned him high esteem among Singaporeans.

His attempts to popularize new poetry gained success among

budding poets, leading to a compilation of such free verses

titled"Chinna Chinna Sidhdhaanthangal." Such facts and valuable

information on the growth and development of the new poetry as a

genre are provided by Dr.M.Thiyagarajan in this chapter.

Third chapter of this book analyses the volume titled

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“Chinna Chinna Sidhdhaanthangal."

Thiyagarajan enlists all the thirty-four free verses giving their title and

explaining their content in a few words. He classifies the themes in

which the poems may be fit in. According to him, Love, Society,

Nature, Education, Religion, Culture, Humanism, The status of

women in our society are the themes in which these verses may be

classified.

The classification of various themes and the narration of their content

are accomplished in a commendable manner by the author. His keen

observation of the message revealed in each poem, his interpretation

of the content and its relevance to the contemporary period and his

explanation of the aesthetics and satire of the verse are unique and

excellent.

Fourth chapter of this book is analyzing the free verses of the famous

poet Ka.Thu.Mu.Iqbal.The author enlists and elucidates the images

found in the verse of Iqbal

The intellectual and emotional appeals found in the free verse of Iqbal

are elaborately explained with a view to make the readers enjoy

them.

The fifth chapter explains the poetic excellence of the verses of

Kumari Gnanapragasam Monica. Here Thiyagarajan gives an

explanation of Impressionism and its impact in art and literature. He

considers many of Monica's poems as impressionist verses and aptly

explains them. He appreciates the social awareness expressed in

some of her poems and at the same time regrets to point out many of

her poems as illustrations of escapism and victims of Obscurantism.

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The fifth chapter of this volume renders a superb description of Image

found in Singapore Tamil (free) verses. He explains the three types if

images viz. Unitary Image, Multiple image and chain-like

image.Thiyagarajan has done an excellent job, by his codification and

classification of poetic images. There is no harm in pointing out that

he has liberally borrowed from my book titles "Three great techniques

in New poetry."Thiaygarajan has not committed any type of

plagiarism, but has taken the theories from my book and successfully

applied to the New Poetry written by Singapore Tamils.

Thiyagarajan has delved deep in each poem, understood well the

inner beauty of each image and has explained the architectonics of

the imagist creation. In him I see a budding Elliot. It can not be denied

that in Singapore, Thiyagarajan is a pioneer in the criticism of

modernist verses. Being a fore-runner in the critical career, he may

find it hard for a smooth journey in his journey, as he has no

predecessors. This tiny volume of in-depth matter is an encouraging

evidence for his sharp vision, elaborate knowledge, excellent

narration and extra-ordinary skill in finding the poetic talent. He never

uses his critical job to find fault with any poet. Bold and unbiased,

Professor Thiyagarajan sincerely wishes to propagandize and

popularize the poetic talents of Tamil poets in Singapore to the world.

The grand success he has got in this mission can be easily found out

if you venture a cursory reading of this book.

I hope lovers of Poetry will find this book quite interesting and

invigorating. I am sure, Dr.Thiyagarajan will bring many more

volumes like this, which will help the readers understand the matter

and appreciate the manner in Modern Tamil Poetry.

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Review of a Collection of Poems in English

-Awake! Arise! By ILAKKUVANAR MARAIMALAI

(Lecture delivered at the Book release function)

It gives me immense pleasure to participate in this grand function

organized by Ilakkiya Veedhi and Naveena Velaanmai to honor Poet

Peru. Mathiyazhagan, who completes his Fiftieth year today.( Ilakkiya

Veedhi is a Literary forum dedicated to the development of Tamil

literature & Naveena Velaanmai is a Tamil magazine devoted to the

development of Agriculture with innovative techniques)

Dr.Peru.Mathiyazhagan is a multi-faceted genius doing his best fields

in many positions, as a Professor of Veterinary science, a provoking

poet, a voracious reader, a prolific writer, an eloquent orator, a

tireless content-producer, a freelance journalist and a social worker

dedicated to the task of motivating younger generation.

Today he is launching his three books. A collection of poems in Tamil

titled"Thamakkenavaazhaathavai",a collection of essays on self-

development titled "cirantha nanbarkal vetriyin thoonkal"and a

collection of his poems in English titled” Awake Arise"

I am here to share my views on the English book” Awake Arise" and I

assure you I will not be a hindrance to you in enjoying other

distinguished guests' lectures.

This slender volume can be compared to a Mini-Jewelry box

consisting of Twenty three gems. Tribute to Nature, Portrayal of Love

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and Promoting Self-confidence are the prominent themes found in

these poems.

Tribute to Nature:

The poem titled" Lightning" is a wonderful collection of multiple

images which describes the natural process' Lightning' in a

captivating manner.

The poet describes 'lightning' as the herald of the coming rain. The

word herald gives many shades of meaning to this image. Lightning is

considered as a messenger giving the message that it is going to

rain. Lightning is the sign or indication of the probable arrival of rain.

Herald also means omen.

It reminds us of Kutraalak kuravanji lines which foresee a flood in the

river.

"Surely there will be a heavy flood in the river tomorrow

We are able to see lightning in the Malayalam and eezham regions"

Lightning is also imagined as the sudden flow of a tear in the apparel

of the dark clouds. The poet tells us that the tear is caused by the

rough embrace of the rude fellow-King of thunders. If the cloud in the

sky can be compared to a car that travels in the sky lightning can

then be described as a flashlight which guides it.

The poem titled" Selfless lives" is a befitting tribute to the animals

which are always helpful to man in manyways.Cows,lambs,Hens,

Swine, Dogs, Elephants and Horse are appreciated by the

poet.Because,"They add to our wealth fat and fine" but do not want

any remuneration. They expect only affection from us. So they

deserve the compliments from the poet.

Many and mighty are our livestock

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All fine models of selfless lives

Adding to our comforts our cattle;

Let them live long.

Portrayal of Love:

Portrayal of love is a slippery platform for many poets who often

stumble

And fail to accomplish their creative tasks. Poet Mathiyazhagan

possesses a magic web which weaves a golden shawl to honor love.

It is a painful scene in Tamilnadu to see popular poets stooping

to obscenity and pretending to follow realism. But at the same time it

should be noted that those poets who belong to Bharatidasan School

never adopt commodity fetishism.Bharatidasan considered love as a

vital energy essential for the evolution of mankind to attain a higher

level of civilization.

Communalism and religious hatred grow day by day threatening to

destabilize the strong foundations of our ancient culture. Love and

true love alone is the remedy for a permanent cure to ward off these

social evils.

Here we see two love letters which impress any reader to have a

complete reading. The lady addresses her lover as 'my rising sun'

and the lover addresses his lady as' my moon.' Professor Palany

Arangasamy, rightly points out the impact of Thirukkural in the

following lines which belong to the lady's love letter:

I won't sip drinks too hot

Lest my lover in my bosom

May feel the heat of him. (To my rising sun)

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The couplet which has induced this imagination is also quoted by

him.

Within my heart my lover dwells

That smacks of heat lest he should feel it burn.(kural-1128)

A glance of the poems on love by our poet Mathiyazhagan will give

an idea about his adherence to our culture and tradition. He is not

after any western 'ism' or useless schism of modern literary trends.

Love is the agreement

Written by the eyes

Signed by the smiles

Sealed by the kisses (Love and eyes)

I am reminded of Scot Wethersfield's description about kissing which

says

"Maybe kissing is sort of like nature's coffee" The word 'sealed' brings

a plenty of meanings here. Sealing always guarantees security and

proclamation of the confidential nature. Not only here but also in all

his poems Mathizhagan should be congratulated for the choice of

words.

While describing the nature of love, Carl Jung says," The meeting of

two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if

there is any reaction, both are transformed." This sort of

transformation is well portrayed in the poem titled" Ere I lose"

The poem titled" spring is calling" is surely an expression of a college

student. The word-play and alliteration are evidences to prove this.

O my world's son

How long to be a nun?

Take it not as fun

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Tell me, how to win!

Here we are reminded of Shakespeare:

"But love is blind and lovers cannot see

The pretty follies that themselves commit;

For if they could, Cupid himself would blush"

(The Merchant of Venice)

We see the maturity of mind and astute way of delivering awesome

expressions

of sublime feelings in the poem titled 'She is an Everest.'

Promoting Self-confidence:

The poems titled 'All in your hand"." Rise with self confidence" and

"Can, you can" are the best pieces of advice to motivate any reader

who goes through them.

Here we are reminded of our beloved poet Thaaraa Bharati, who

strived his every nerve for the uplift of the younger generation who

belonged to the oppressed section.

His famous poem"Hi.Youth" is a clarion call for the progress of the

under-privileged and unemployed youth.

"Do not say I am empty-handed

It is unwise

A big fortune your ten fingers may rise”

'Arise! Awake!

Before your fiery eyes

Even the sun will look like a tiny spark!"

"Hurry up! Your fingers are farming tools!

They will harvest gold even in barren fields"

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These poetic lines of Thaaraa Bharati have produced a lot of

enthusiasm and eagerness for a hard and meticulous work for a

promising future among the youth. Our beloved poet Kavimukil

himself is a monumental example for this.

Poet Mathiyazhagan belongs to Thaaraa Bharati School and his

poems on self-development.

Dr.V.Vivekandan I.R.S rightly points out the pragmatism expressed in

the poems with powerful words, 'All in your hands" and "Rise with self

confidence." Our poet Mathiyazhagan is an ardent follower of Swami

Vivekananda. His freelance writings on self development and his

efforts to inculcate sublime values among the student community are

the concrete evidences.

The poem "Can, you can" is the mature product of a mature mind to

induce the depressed young minds. It should be read like this" Can

you? You can!

In his poem titled "Time more than life" Peru.Mathiyazhagan aptly

gives the advice as:

"Don't ignore minutes

Your life itself

is a play of minutes.

Even centuries are

Made of minutes."

In a country where people are wasting their valuable time in chatting,

gossiping, talking through mobiles even while driving two-wheelers

our poet's advice is a timely caution. It is said that" A single day is

enough to make us a little larger." The poet's advice should be

heeded to by all of us to make our country a big power.

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"Don't ignore the minutes

Even for a minute"

Paul Klee says" Read not to contradict and confute, nor to find talk

and discourse, but to weigh and consider. "

This slender volume’ Awake! Arise!" is small in size and huge in its

potentiality. On this occasion I wish to express my sincere and

affectionate greetings to our beloved poet Dr.Peru.Mathiyazhagan

who completes half a century of his meaningful life.I am sure many

laurels, accolades and awards are waiting for him and sincerely hope

a befitting promotion of this learned Professor of Veterinary Science.I

pray the almighty for his long life which will be fruitful to the nation,

Tamil language and student community.