The Personality of Venganni

வெங்கண்ணி எனும் ஆளுமை

Abstract

In the novel Silavum, the character Venganni is portrayed as a woman of strong personality. She challenges the traditional notion that women are only meant for cooking, managing the household, and child-rearing. Venganni demonstrates that women are capable of achieving anything, even mastering tasks traditionally done by men, such as pearl diving. She boldly questions her father about why women are not allowed to go to the sea. Her eloquence and bravery allow her to take a boat into the sea and engage in fishing, venturing into deeper waters to catch lobsters with the courage of a man. Traditionally, women in coastal communities are depicted only as performing tasks on the shore. In this novel, however, the author innovatively portrays women venturing into the sea, diving for pearls, and excelling in traditionally male activities. Venganni also exemplifies ideal womanhood in multiple dimensions: as a devoted mother, a loving partner, a loyal friend, and a respected member of her community. Scholars note that a person’s personality is reflected in their confidence and ability to accomplish tasks; Venganni embodies this principle.