Kanooru & Wessex.

Thomas Hardy & K. V. Puttappa (Kuvempu)

At the outset, it may be made clear that scholarly articles have been published on the subject. However, some personal views are presented here.

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) & Kuvempu (1904-1994) both wrote novels about their respective countrysides. Hardy's "Wessex" novels are also noted for their beautiful language & restraint exercised by their characters in the face of adversity. But Kuvempu, in his most celebrated novel, "Kanooru Heggadithi",  chose to employ Rabelaisian language in the dialogue of his rural characters, possibly to emphasize their rustic origin. It is to be noted that Hardy saw no reason to use this device to place his characters in rural milieu. The result makes one wonder whether Kanooru villagers were less civilised than Wessex villagers!

But the same Kuvempu, in his magnum opus "Ramayana Darshanam" used lofty thoughts & language even in the negative characters, ennobling them even in their villainy. It is to be pointed out that even the great Valmiki himself did not do this. In this context, the episode of Indrajith's child is especially charming. Of course, Kuvempu was criticised for making everyone good.