Kural

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noun /kuːˈrɑːl/

Definition

A couplet form used in Tamil literature, specifically in the "Tirukkural", consisting of two lines with a 4-3 syllable pattern.

Example

The "Tirukkural" is a classic text composed of 1,330 kurals.

Notes

Tamil couplet form of aphoristic verse (as in the Tirukkural), compact ethical teaching.

How to spot Kural

When you read a poem, look for patterns that match Kural. Note where it appears (line breaks, stanza positions), how often it repeats, and what emotion or emphasis it creates. Try underlining each instance, then ask: what changes if it’s removed?

Common mistakes

A common mistake is confusing Kural with nearby concepts listed in ‘See also.’ Always check its defining feature: the formal rule or effect that makes it Kural, not just a similar device.

Using Kural in analysis

In essays, define Kural briefly, cite a short quotation, and explain the *specific* effect on tone, pacing, or imagery. Tie the effect to the poem’s theme rather than describing the device in isolation.

1-minute quiz

Which line uses Kural most clearly?

  1. A line that deliberately demonstrates the device’s key feature.
  2. A line that is superficially similar but lacks the defining feature.
  3. A line unrelated to the device.
  4. A paraphrase of the poem’s theme.

Tip: pick the line that shows the device’s defining feature.

Related Definitions

Study Tips

  • Identify this device in poems you read
  • Practice using it in your own writing
  • Compare with related terms
  • Discuss examples with classmates

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