# CXXX: Chiding the Heart explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Bouderie

Referenced as a desired act of sulking or feigned indifference that the heart refuses to perform.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/cxxx-chiding-the-heart
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters