Short Stories of Kongu region based on their social aspects and literary trends in the twenty first century

Abstract

The art of storytelling. deeply rooted in human culture, has evolved over centuries into various literary forms. with the short story emerging as a significant genre. This research delves into the socio-cultural dimensions and literary nuances of short stories in the Kongu region during the 2 Ist century. Anchored in the period between 2000 and 2018. the study examines the works of prominent Kongu writers, including Ma. Natarasan. K.C. Sivakumar. Va. Mu. Komu, N. Sriram. and Perumal Murugan. The primary objective of this research is to explore the cultural ethos, socio-economic transformations, and linguistic characteristics reflected in Kongu short stories. It investigates the themes of agrarian challenges, caste dynamics. and evolving societal structures that dominate these narratives. By employing analytical frameworks such as sociological, psychological, and feminist perspectives, the study systematically examines the thematic, stylistic. and narrative strategies employed by the authors. The research identifies significant findings across four dimensions: Agricultural Values in Kongu Short Stories: Examining the impact of climatic changes. economic challenges, and urbanization on the agrarian lifestyle of the Kongu region. " Cultural Pe pectives: Analyzing linguistic traits. social structures, caste hierarchies, rituals, and traditions, alongside the impact of cultural erosion and transformation. 3. Psychological Insights: Exploring the psychological depth of characters and authors, employing Freudian analysis to understand human emotions, conflicts, and societal pressures as depicted in the stories. Narrative Techniques: Evaluating storytelling elements such as plot, theme, style, language, character development, and structural patterns. This thesis is structured into four chapters, each focusing on the aforementioned dimensions, with detailed analyses and consolidated findings presented at the end of each chapter. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the socio-cultural and literary landscape of Kongu short stories, highlighting their relevance as a mirror to the region’s evolving identity and challenges. The conclusions underscore the critical role of Kongu short stories in portraying the socio-economic struggles. cultural shifts, and psychological intricacies of the region, making them an indispensable part of Tamil literary heritage.