Aspects of a Book -4: Ten Faults and Ten Merits (Part 2)

Repetition (kooriyathu kooral)

Repetition [3] is one of the most carefully avoided faults in writing as it can lead to other issues, such as redundancy and ambiguity. A rule or concept stated once should not be repeated elsewhere in the text, as this can confuse the reader and disrupt the text's structure.

Two of the thirty-two writing techniques (thanthira uththi, which we will discuss next) are ‘stating it is already said’ and ‘stating it will be said.’ These techniques can help avoid repetition.

However, exceptions to the 'no repetition' rule are allowed when a rule or definition serves another purpose or is stated in a different context.

Planning your text carefully before writing or editing it afterward can help you avoid this fault.

Contradiction and Inconsistency (maarukola kooral)

Contradiction or inconsistency [4] is a clear fault in writing. The importance of internal consistency in a text cannot be overstated. A text should also conform to existing conventions and notations. However, an author is free to create their notations and conventions, provided they establish them thoroughly within their text (see the 4th Principle).

Consistency can be achieved by keeping a log of key terms and notations, which, if necessary, can be published as an annexure to the text or even as a separate handbook.

Incorporating Faulty Words (valoou sol punarthal)

A word is neither faulty nor meritorious on its own. However, using the right word in the right place is crucial, as Thiruvalluvar points out:

aakkamum kedum athanaal varuthalaal

kaathombal sollinkan sorvu

As words can both create and destroy,

One should not be careless in using them.

A word can be considered faulty if it is not the appropriate choice for a given concept or context. Since an author’s text will be studied with reverence by students and future authors, it is essential to choose the best words.

Merits?

The faults discussed above can be contrasted with the following merits:

[3] Being pleasant for the readers (navinrorku inimai)

[4] Incorporating good words (nanmoli punarthal)

[5] Having cadence (osai udaimai)

Though readers study a text for their benefit, an author should strive to keep their text interesting and engaging. However, an author is not expected to go out of their way to entertain readers.

A clear and lucid flow, well-sectioned and arranged elements, concise yet adequate explanations, necessary references, and a proper logical build-up of knowledge will make the text engaging and interesting.

Traditionally, Tamil texts were written in verse form, where authors used techniques like ethugai (word-initial rhymes) and monai (alliteration) to make the verses pleasant. However, they never compromised on content, brevity, or clarity.

Here’s a sample from Nannool (previously quoted in this post):

vinaiyin neengi vilangiya arivin

munaivan kandathu muthal noolaagum

[A first (original) text is composed by an expert Whose wisdom shines free from deeds (karma)]

Note the initial rhyme (edugai) between ‘vinaiyin-munaivan’ and the alliteration (monai) between ‘vinaiyin-vilangiya’ and ‘munaivan-muthalnool.’ Such connections cannot be expected throughout the text, as the author prioritizes content clarity and brevity.

Incorporating Good Words (nanmoli punarthal)

Incorporating good words is the opposite of the fault of using faulty words, and thus it need not be explained much. However, it is listed explicitly as a merit to emphasize its importance. Avoiding faulty words does not automatically guarantee the incorporation of good words, as there can be a neutral ground.

Having Cadence (osai udaimai)

Having cadence may seem more suitable for verse forms, but it is also important in prose. Avoiding monotonous sentence formations, using varied sentence lengths, and breaking down the text into paragraphs of varied sizes will lead to good cadence. In today's audiobook era, it is necessary to ensure that the text is pleasant to listen to and that ideas are transferred clearly and pleasantly.

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We shall continue discussing the other faults and merits in future posts. Please subscribe to my Newsletter ‘Ancient Insights’ for updates on new articles and editions. Feel free to Share/Repost and Comment. Write to me if you are willing to contribute. Thanks