The Tirukkōvaiyār is a ninth-century Tamil poem that combines literary conventions from both Śaiva and Sangam love poetry traditions. This poem is celebrated for its narrative format which organizes a variety of love scenarios into a chronological sequence.  In this lecture, Leah Comeau will use this sequential format to understand the role of the Talaivi (heroine) throughout the love drama. Through an analysis of the heroine’s looks, actions, and words over the course of 400 stanzas, Leah Comeau aims to produce a more clear understanding of the feminine aesthetic understood by the poet and his audiences.

The lecture will take place at 4.30pm in the Library Hall in 19, Dumas Street.


 lectures