The Significance of Kurunthogai Poems and the Freudian Approach

நற்றிணைப் பாடல்களின் குறிப்புப் பொருளும் ஃப்ராய்டியக் கோட்பாடும்

Abstract

The Tamil literary research field is distinguished for its historical depth. Sangam literature serves as evidence for understanding ancient Tamil civilization, linguistic excellence, and cultural norms. Plato remarked that “literature is artificial, removed thrice over from real life,” whereas Aristotle stated, “Literature represents life in an organized form, conveying human experience imaginatively and reconstructively through creative imagination.” Tamil literary research aligns with Aristotle’s perspective. Scholars like K. Sivadambi and K. Kailasapathi consider literature as a mirror reflecting society. Within this framework, Tamil literary studies have evolved along multiple dimensions, one of which is the psychological approach. Tholkappiyar laid the foundation for literary theory in Tamil literature. Sigmund Freud, on the other hand, analyzed human mind and behavior to develop psychological theory. The intersection of their frameworks lies in the significance of symbols and dream interpretation. This article examines the kurunthogai poems, interpreting their symbolic content (kurippu porul) in parallel with Freudian dream theory. By applying a psychological approach, it analyzes the emotions, inner experiences, and desires expressed in these poems.