A Narrative-Critical Perspective on Neela Padmanabhan’s Short Story Il-Aram

நீல. பத்மநாபன், இல் - அறம் சிறுகதையின் நடப்பியல் விமர்சனப் பார்வை

Abstract

Tamil short story literature has a history spanning over a century. Beginning with Bharathi and V. V. S. Ayyar, and later through modern masters such as Pudhumaipithan, Ku. Pa. Ra., Jayakanthan, and Sundararamasamy, Tamil short stories have evolved into a vibrant literary domain. Among these writers, Neela Padmanabhan stands out as a significant contributor. Residing in the neighboring state of Kerala, he composed literary works in Tamil, reflecting notable trends in modern Tamil literature.

Entering the world of short stories reveals a spectrum of human experiences. Readers encounter a vast panorama of knowledge, diverse experiences, and myriad human traits—virtue, vice, compassion, and actions that provoke reflection. In his short story Il-Aram, Neela Padmanabhan portrays the socio-economic hardships of marginalized communities and the moral dilemmas that lead humans away from righteousness. Through his narrative, he illuminates both societal conditions and the ethical struggles of individuals, offering a rich canvas for literary and critical exploration.