Social Issues Depicted in Bhavani’s Short Stories

பவானியின் சிறுகதைகளில் இடம்பெறும் சமூகப் பிரச்சினைகள்

Abstract

This article explores Pavana Sivakumar’s short story collection Nijangalin Tharisanam as a reflection of real societal conditions and diverse contemporary issues through literary narratives. The stories vividly portray the multidimensional ruptures experienced by middle-class life, including social structures, marriage pressures, cultural facades, individual identity struggles, and evolving emotional landscapes. Drawing on themes of war-induced suffering, displacement, women’s challenges, and family dynamics, the stories exemplify the harsh realities faced by common people. Specific narratives illuminate war atrocities, exile, child abandonment, and the emotional pain of separated families, while critiquing social customs such as dowry and highlighting human values in crisis. Through authentic characters and well-crafted plots, Sivakumar’s work blends social criticism with humanistic themes, offering readers a powerful insight into Tamil society’s pressing concerns.