Chollampel John Thomas, known as C. J. Thomas, was a prominent Indian playwright and literary critic who made significant contributions to Malayalam literature. His works, including the notable plays 'Aa Manushyan Nee Thanne,' 'Avan Venndum Varunnu,' and '1128-il Crime 27,' were pivotal in introducing modern themes and techniques to Malayalam theatre, marking a departure from traditional forms. Through his innovative storytelling and character development, Thomas helped to shape the cultural landscape of Kerala during a transformative period in its history. In addition to his literary achievements, Thomas was an active political figure, leading the Vimochana Samaram, an anti-communist movement against the First E. M. S. Namboodiripad ministry in Kerala. His dual role as a playwright and political activist underscored the interconnectedness of art and society in his time. Thomas's legacy endures in the realm of Malayalam theatre, where his works continue to influence contemporary playwrights and resonate with audiences, reflecting the complexities of human experience and the socio-political dynamics of his era.
“Seltsam ist es. Beherrscht dich ein Gedanke, so findest du ihn überall ausgedrückt, du r i e c h s t ihn sogar im Winde.””
“And romance is just the place for creating mythic figures doing mythic things. Like carving 'civilzation' out of the wilderness. Like showing us what a hero looks life, a real, American, sprung-from-the soil, lethal-weapon-with-leggings, bona fide hero. And for a guy who never marries, he has a lot of offspring. Shane. The Virginian. The Ringo Kid. The Man with No Name. Just think how many actors would have had no careers without Natty Bumppo. Gary Cooper. John Wayne. Alan Ladd. Tom Mix. Clint Eastwood. Silent. Laconic. More committed to their horse or buddy than to a lady. Professional. Deadly. In his Studies in Classic American Literature, D.H. Lawrence waxes prolix on Natty's most salient feature: he's a killer. And so are his offspring. This heros can talk, stiltedly to be sure, but he prefers silence. He appreciates female beauty but is way more committed to his canoe or his business partner (his business being death and war) or, most disturbingly, his long rifle, Killdeer. Dr. Freud, your three-o'clock is here. Like those later avatars, he is a wilderness god, part backwoods sage, part cold-blooded killer, part unwilling Prince Charming, part jack-of-all-trades, but all man. Here's how his creator describes him: 'a philosopher of the wilderness, simple-minded, faithful, utterly without fear, yet prudent.' A great character, no doubt, but hardly a person. A paragon. An archetype. A miracle. But a potentially real person--not so much.””
“I. Getting the Text in View A. Select the text B. Reconsider where the text begins and ends C. Establish a reliable translation of the text II. Getting Introduced to the Text D. Read the text for basic understanding E. Place the text in its larger context III. Attending to the Text F. Listen attentively to the text IV. Testing What Is Heard in the Text G. Explore the text historically H. Explore the literary character of the text I. Explore the text theologically J. Check the text in the commentaries V. Moving toward the Sermon K. State the claim of the text upon the hearers (including the preacher) A””