Abstract
Jallikattu has long been considered as a cultural symbol of the Tamil community. It is a reflection of the complex bond interwoven between Man and the Beast, and their constant struggle to conquer the other. C. S. Chellappa’s The Arena is a classical work which focuses on the tension between the Beast and the Being. Using the cultural lens of the Zamindar’s era, the text explores themes like masculinity, sacrifice, redemption, courage and communal tensions between the animal and the human primarily; between an individual and the society, secondarily.
The narration is set in the early decades of the last century with its intricate social hierarchies and norms. This paper, using the cultural lens of southern India, tries to explore the symbolism that interconnect the socio-cultural landscape represented in the novella. It traces the age-old conflict for dominance between humans and beast through the portrayal of the Protagonist Pichi and the key player the Bull Kaari.
Presenters
Subhapriya SriramaluResearch Scholar, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Global Sports Local Cultures
KEYWORDS
Sports, Culture, Symbolism, Representation, Conflict
