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A couplet form used in Tamil literature, specifically in the "Tirukkural", consisting of two lines with a 4-3 syllable pattern.
The "Tirukkural" is a classic text composed of 1,330 kurals.
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?
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.
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.
Which line uses Kural most clearly?
Tip: pick the line that shows the device’s defining feature.