Late Romantics in Malayalam Literature: Voices of Sorrow and Idealism
Introduction The late Romantics in Malayalam literature were a group of poets who embodied extreme idealism and dream-like visions. Their works often reflected an obsession with death, the brevity of life, and the futility of human existence. Unlike mere aesthetes who created art for art’s sake, these poets infused their writings with profound reflections on suffering, human dignity, and metaphysical thought. Following in the footsteps of the Great Trio of Malayalam literature Vallathol, Ulloor, and Kumaran Asan—the late Romantics carved a distinct niche in the literary landscape of Kerala. Nalappat Narayana Menon: A Philosopher-Poet Among the late Romantics, Nalappat Narayana Menon (1887–1955) stands out as a significant figure. Though his poetic output was limited, his intellectual pursuits in criticism, psychology, and Indian philosophy enriched Malayalam literature . His most celebrated work, Kannunirthulli (Teardrop), is an elegy mourning the death of his wife. Written in a ...