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All content following this page was uploaded by Subbulakshmi Mohan on 18 September 2024.
Director, School of Music and Fine-Arts, Vels University ( Vistas ), Chennai – 600 117.
Abstract
Oxymorons in Tamil literature is not just a stylistic choice but a reflection of the culture’s deep engagement with
the complexities of life. They enrich the language by adding layers of meaning, making the expressions more vivid,
profound, and resonant. The use of oxymorons highlights the beauty of the Tamil language, showcasing its ability
to convey nuanced emotions and philosophical ideas with elegance and depth. In literature, an oxymoron is a
powerful rhetorical device that combines two contradictory words to create a unique expression Tamil literature,
with its rich tradition of poetry and epics, has long used oxymorons to explore and express the intricate nature of
human experiences. Tamil poets have employed oxymorons extensively. Oxymorons are a unique and powerful
rhetorical device in language, offering several distinctive qualities that make them special. Characteristic features
of Oxymorons are Irony, Emphasizing conflict, Memorable phrasing, Expressing complex emotions, high lighting
dualities, Aesthetic beauty, paradoxical nature, Richness in meaning, Enhancing the deapth of expression,
Versatality across contexts and so on. Tamil devotional works like Thevaram, Thiruvasagam, Thirumandiram,
Thiruvisaippa, thiruppugazh, Thiruarutpa employs oxymorons as a powerful literary device to express the profound
and often paradoxical nature of divine experiences. The use of oxymorons in the hymns adds to the poetic beauty
and spiritual resonance of the Divya Prabandham, making it a timeless work of Tamil devotional literature.
Keywords: Irony, conflict, Memorable, Expressing emotions, dualities, Aesthetic beauty, rhetorical device.
INTRODUCTION:
In literature, an oxymoron is a powerful rhetorical device that combines two contradictory words to create a unique
expression, to highlight a complex concept poet often use oxymorons to provoke thought, create irony, convey a deeper
meaning. Two contradictory terms are combined to create a figure of speech is called an oxymoron which always have
paradoxical effect. Oxymorons used to highlight the complexity of a concept by juxtaposing opposing ideas. Oxymorons
can be used to increase the depth of the meaning which will automatically create more complexity to a work. It will make
the readers and listeners to think more critically, analitically about the in depth meaning of the words being used.
Oxymoron reflects certain angst that is a feeling of anxirtyand worry about a situation. It is also used to point out
conflicts. There are no exact synonyms for the word Oxymoron but some words that are similar are paradox, antimony,
paradoxism, Ironic. The exact meaning of Oxymoron. It is a Greek word Oxus means sharp, moron means dull. So, the
word itself has contradictory terms. In Tamil it can be called Muran thodai. Muran means contradictory. Here the word
Oxymoron which is from Greece has the tamil word “moron’ with in itself which shows the root word is from tamil.
5. Oymorons are employed to create strong emotions which will high light the complexityof human lifewhich include
love, human experience and relationship. The emotionsconveyed through oxymorons are strong and powerful Example -
good grief, Joyful sadness, Sad smile Sugamaana vali in Tamil.
6. In literature, an oxymoron is a powerful rhetorical device that combines two contradictory words to create a unique
expression, to highlight a complex concept poet often use oxymorons to provoke thought, create irony, convey a deeper
meaning.
1. Irony: Oxymorons can develop a sense of irony, where the literal meaning is different from actually meaning.
Oxymorons can introduce irony or humor into a statement
2. Emphasizing Conflict: By giving contradictory terms, authors can highlight conflicts within characters or situations.
3. Memorable Phrasing: Oxymorons makes the word or phrase memorable which will often stick in the reader's mind
because of their paradoxical nature. Because of their unusual and striking nature Oxymorons are often memorable.
Because of the contradiction within the phrase makes it stand out and making it more likely to be remembered by the
reader or listener.
4. Expressing Complex Emotions: Oxymorons help convey the complexity of human emotions, such as the coexistence
of joy and sorrow. Oxymorons are particularly effective in evoking complex emotions like love and hate, pleasure and
pain, with simple words.
5. Highlighting Dualities: The dualities of life, such as light and darkness, love and hatred, or life and death often
explored in Tamil literature through Oxymorons.
6. Aesthetic Beauty: The use of oxymorons adds a layer of aesthetic beauty to the language, making the verses more
profound and impactful.
7. Paradoxical Nature: Oxymorons combine two seemingly contradictory terms, creating a phrase that, at first glance,
appears self-contradictory.
8. Richness in Meaning: An oxymoron often conveys complex and nuanced meanings that might be difficult to express
with straightforward language.
9. Enhancing the Depth of Expression: By combining contradictory terms, oxymorons can add depth to the expression
which lead to a richer understanding and appreciation of the text.
10. Versatility Across Contexts: Oxymorons are versatile and can be used across various contexts, from everyday
speech to high literature.
3.Oxymorons in Thiruvasagam
Manickavasagar uses oxymorons to convey the complexities of divine love, spiritual realization, and the ineffable
qualities of Lord Shiva. These contradictory expressions help to illustrate the transcendent and mysterious aspects of the
divine, which often defy ordinary logic
5. Oxymorons in Thiruvisaippa:
It is constructed by many Authors Two examples are given for oxymoron in Thiruvisaippa. The first one speaks about
(Siththam) memory cannot felt or sense the sweetness of honey, only tongue can sense, this oxymoronic term is coined
and explained by Thirumaaligai thevar. Sendhanar says Siva is like karpaga kani which is a fruit in heavan and he is like
Ruby Mountain though Ruby which is inside the mountain in the form of Ore cannot be seen by all.
1.Siththathul thiththikkum thene – Thirumaaligai thevar -1
2. Kattravar vizhungum karpagak kaniyai
matravar ariya maanikkamalaiyai – Sendhanaar-1
6.Oxymorons in Thirumandiram
In Thirumandiram, oxymorons are used to express the paradoxical nature of the divine and the mysteries of spiritual
experience. Thirumoolar’s use of oxymorons helps to capture the ineffable qualities of God, the universe, and the soul,
which often transcend ordinary human understanding.
1." Udalindri ullaththarul udalaaga nirkindran”
"He who exists without a body yet stands as a body."This oxymoron highlights the paradox of God being formless yet
manifesting in physical form. It reflects the idea that the divine is both immanent in the physical world and transcendent
beyond it.
2." Arukkun mel aani vaiththaar pola”
"Like placing a jewel upon the sun."This phrase uses the contradiction between the brilliance of the sun and the beauty
of a jewel
3." Meipporul poipporulkaai vilaindhidum”
"The true essence manifests as falsehood."This oxymoron conveys the idea that what appears as illusion in the material
world is, in fact, a manifestation of the ultimate reality or truth.
4." Neruppinul neer vaiththaar pola”
"Like placing water within fire."This phrase creates a paradox by juxtaposing two elements that are naturally opposed,
symbolizing the coexistence of opposites within the divine or within spiritual practice.
5." Kallaai nindra kaadhalan”
"Receiving the beloved who stands as a stone."This oxymoron describes the divine as being immovable and seemingly
inert like a stone, yet full of love and life, capturing the tension between the apparent and the real in spiritual experience.
7.Oxymorons in Periyapuranam:
This work is known for its profound spiritual insights, deep philosophical teachings, and the use of poetic devices,
including oxymorons, to convey complex ideas about life, divinity, and the cosmos. In Periyapunam Sekkizhar speaks
about Sivan as aadhi (the first one) nadu (continuation in middle) and prolonged life without anyspecific time. And he is
like bright lightcan be viewed and unseen feelings ( unarvu ) and also male and female.
1. Aadhiyaai naduvumaagi alavilaa alavummagi
sodhiyaai unarvummagi,
Pennumaai aanummagi- (12.2.1)
2. karpanai kadandha sodhi karunaiye uruvamaagi-(12.2.2.) Here he says in the first portion Siva is like bright light
beyond imagination but it can be seen by eyes of human,
karunaiye uruvamaagi the next portion (karunai) God’sGrace cannot be seen but it is mentioned as figure ( uruvam ) This
can be refered as oxymoron
8.Oxymorons in Thiruppugazh:
In this thiruppugazh he says Murugan is Hari (Vishnu), Haran (Sivan) and (Iyan) Bramma
”Ayanena vaagi ariyena vaagi
ayanenavaagi avarmelaai” – Pazhamudhirsolai Thiruppugzh
The great patriotic poet Subramania Barathiyar says that just uttering the word Tamilnadu makes him feel the sweet
sense of honey. but he says honey was poured into his ears not in his mouth this is oxymoronic in meaning.
1.Nammalvar's Thiruvaymozhi:
" Kallam illaa malar magal nanni”
:"He who resides with the deceitless Lakshmi." The term " Kallamillaa" (deceitless) paired with " kallam" (deceit) in its
implied sense can be seen as an oxymoron. He is associated with Lakshmi, who is pure and without deceit.
2.Andal’s paasuram:
" Vaadinen vaadi varundhinen manam pudhuththizhaai aalaiyirukkum mayan”
"I wilted, I suffered, thinking of Him, the dark one who dwells with fresh tulasi garlands." The contrast between "wilted"
and "fresh" within the same context creates a paradox
1. English
• Bittersweet: Combines "bitter" (painful or unpleasant) with "sweet" (pleasant), often used to describe a mixed
emotion or experience that is both painful and pleasant at the same time.
• Deafening silence: Combines "deafening" (extremely loud) with "silence" (absence of sound), often used to describe
a situation where the silence is so profound that it feels overwhelmingly loud.
• Living dead: Refers to someone who is biologically alive but emotionally or spiritually dead, or to zombies in
popular culture.
2. Spanish
• Cálido frío: Literally "warm cold," used to describe something that feels both warm and cold simultaneously, often
in an emotional or sensory context.
• Agridulce: Similar to "bittersweet" in English, it combines "agrio" (sour) with "dulce" (sweet) to describe a taste or
an experience that is both sour and sweet.
• Silencio ensordecedor: Translates to "deafening silence," used in a similar context to describe a silence that is
overwhelming in its intensity.
3. French
• Obscure clarté: Literally "obscure clarity," often used to describe something that is clear yet mysterious or difficult
to understand, conveying a sense of paradox.
• Douleur exquise: Translates to "exquisite pain," used to describe a particularly intense and bittersweet emotional
pain, often in the context of unrequited love.
• Cri silencieux: "Silent scream," used to describe an intense feeling of distress or anguish that is not outwardly
expressed.
4. German
• Furchtbar schön: Literally "terribly beautiful," an oxymoron used to describe something that is awe-inspiringly
beautiful yet terrifying or overwhelming.
• Schrecklich nett: Translates to "terribly nice," often used ironically to describe someone who is overly nice in a
way that feels insincere or annoying.
• Lebendiger Tod: "Living death," similar to the English "living dead," used to describe a state of being where one is
physically alive but devoid of spirit or vitality.
5. Italian
• Dolce amaro: "Bittersweet," used to describe a taste or an emotional experience that has both pleasant and
unpleasant elements.
• Gelo caldo: Literally "cold heat," used to describe an emotion or situation that has conflicting elements of warmth
and coldness.
• Silenzio assordante: "Deafening silence," used to convey a silence that is so profound it feels overwhelming,
similar to its use in English.
6. Japanese
• 苦い甘さ (Nigai amasa): "Bitter sweetness," used to describe an experience that is both bitter and sweet, often in an
emotional context.
• 静かな騒ぎ (Shizukana sawagi): "Quiet noise," used to describe a situation where there is a lot of underlying
tension or activity that is not outwardly visible.
• 生きた死体 (Ikita shitai): "Living corpse," similar to "living dead," used to describe someone who is physically
alive but emotionally or spiritually dead.
7. Chinese (Mandarin)
• 痛快 (Tòngkuài): Literally "painful pleasure," an oxymoron used to describe something that is both painful and
pleasurable, often in the context of a bittersweet experience.
• 含蓄的表白 (Hánxù de biǎobái): "Implicit confession," combining the idea of being both explicit and implicit,
often used to describe a situation where someone reveals their feelings indirectly.
• 无声的叫喊 (Wúshēng de jiàohǎn): "Silent scream," used to describe an intense emotional experience that is not
outwardly expressed.
8. Russian
• Живой труп (Zhivoy trup): "Living corpse," similar to the English "living dead," used to describe someone who is
physically alive but spiritually or emotionally dead.
• Горькая радость (Gorkaya radost): "Bitter joy," used to describe an experience that is joyful yet tinged with
sadness or bitterness.
• Оглушительная тишина (Oglushitelnaya tishina): "Deafening silence," used in the same way as in English, to
describe an overwhelming silence.
9. Arabic
• (صمت صاخبSamit sakhib): "Loud silence," used to describe a silence that feels overwhelming or intense.
• (مر حلوMurr hulw): "Bitter sweet," used to describe an experience or taste that has both bitter and sweet elements.
• (ميت حيMayyit hay): "Living dead," used to describe someone who is physically alive but emotionally or spiritually
dead.
Conclusion:
Oxymorons in Tamil literature is not just a stylistic choice but a reflection of the culture’s deep engagement with the
complexities of life. They enrich the language by adding layers of meaning, making the expressions more vivid,
profound, and resonant. The use of oxymorons highlights the beauty of the Tamil language, showcasing its ability to
convey nuanced emotions and philosophical ideas with elegance and depth. These contradictions help to illustrate the
unity of opposites and the deeper truths of non-dualism, making devotional text not just a text of spiritual instruction but
also a work of great poetic beauty and philosophical depth. The use of oxymorons in the hymns adds to the poetic beauty
and spiritual resonance of the texts, making it a timeless work of Tamil devotional literature
In Thiruvasagam, oxymorons are not just stylistic devices but are integral to expressing the mystical and paradoxical
nature of the divine. These oxymorons add layers of meaning, making Thiruvasagam a masterpiece of Tamil devotional
literature
In Thirumandiram, oxymorons are a powerful literary and spiritual tool used by Thirumoolar to express the profound
and often paradoxical nature of the divine and the universe. Through the use of oxymorons, Thirumoolar conveys that the
ultimate reality transcends all dualities, leading the seeker towards a higher understanding of the divine.
In the Divya Prabandham, oxymorons serve as a powerful literary device that allows the Alvars to articulate the
profound and often paradoxical nature of their divine experiences. These expressions encapsulate the complexities of
devotion, the mysterious qualities of Lord Vishnu, and the philosophical depth of Vaishnavism.
Oxymorons are a universal literary device found across many languages, used to capture the complexities of human
experience, the paradoxes of life, and the mysteries of the divine. Whether in expressing love, sorrow, joy, or spiritual
truths, oxymorons enrich language by conveying meaning that goes beyond the literal, inviting readers and listeners to
explore deeper layers of thought and feeling.
Reference Books:
1.Thirukkural. Thiruvalluvar - Madurai Kamarajar University – Madurai – 2002.
2 Subramaniya mudaliyar S.K. -Periyapuranam - Chennai University - Chennai - 1954.
3. Rasamanikkanar. M. n Saiva Religion - Selvi Publication -Karaikudi - 1959.
4. Thirupugalamirdham – Swarnapuri Endowment – Shankar Printers – Madurai – 1997.
5. Thirugnana Sambandar Thevaram – Thirugnana Sambandar - Sivakasi Sivanadiyar Araneri Kazhagam- - Sivakasi -
2000.
6. Thirunavukkarasar Thevaeam – Thirunavukkarasar - Saiva nool Arakkattalai – Sri Kailash Printers – Chennai – 2010.
7. Sundarar Thevaram – Sundarar -Sivakasi Sivanadiyar Araneri Kazhagam - Sivakasi - 2015.
8. Thiruvasagam – Manikkavasagar - Siva Siddhantha Perumandram – Kandhalagam Publishers – Chennai - 1941
9.ThiruKural – Thiruvalluvar - ( Dr. Mu. Va ) Saiva Siddhantha Works Publishing Society- Tinnevely Ltd- 1949.
10.Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam - Paranjothi Munivar – Sri Meenakshi Sudareshwarar temple Publications – Madurai – 2004.
11. Periyapuranam – Sekkizhar – Sri Kasi Madam Publications – City Press- Trichy- 1950.
12. Thieumandiram – Thirumoolar – Thiruvavaduthurai Aadeena Veliyidu - Sri Namasivaya Press - 1976 .
13. Barathiyaar Isai padalgal - Department of Art and Culture – Govt of Tamil Nadu - Tamil Nadu Arasu PRESS- 1987.
14. Thiruvisaippa - Sri KASI Madam Publications – Srivaikundam - - 1974.
15. Panniru Thirumurai - Sakunthala nilaiyam – Parameshwari Printers - Chennai – 2017.