The Kural · Chapter
CXXX: Chiding the Heart explained
The speaker laments her heart's betrayal, as it continues to side with her beloved despite his neglect.
What happens
The speaker laments her heart's betrayal, as it continues to side with her beloved despite his neglect. She questions her heart's loyalty and self-respect, expressing anguish over its inability to forget him or maintain dignity.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Explores the emotional turmoil and conflict within a lover's heart, torn between self-respect and attachment to the beloved.
The Vanity of Worldly Life
Reflects on the futility of suffering and the loss of dignity when one's own heart betrays them in love.
Characters to notice
- Bouderie
Referenced as a desired act of sulking or feigned indifference that the heart refuses to perform.
Key passages
“Thou seest how his heart serveth his will: then, how is it that thou obeyest not me, O my Heart?”
You see how he follows his own desires; why then do you not obey me, my Heart?
The speaker chides her heart for not heeding her commands while the beloved follows his own whims.
“Thou refusest to indulge in a bouderie, my Heart, before showing thy delight in his company: who is going hereafter to take thee as a confidant in suchlike things?”
You refuse to sulk even briefly before rejoicing in his presence; who will trust you with such matters in the future?
The heart's lack of pretense or self-respect is criticized, questioning its reliability as a confidant.
“What is my Heart good for? It is good for nothing else but to devour me when I am musing alone.”
What use is my Heart? It only consumes me with anguish when I am lost in thought.
The heart is portrayed as a source of inner torment rather than comfort.
“When my own heart is not on my side, is it a wonder that strangers care not at all for me?”
If my own heart does not support me, it is no surprise that others show no concern for me.
The speaker laments her isolation, as even her own heart has abandoned her.