A Study of the Intertextual Features Used by the Poet in the Composition of Dutagita Kavya

Abstract

Among the concepts used in the modern literary criticism space, the terminology of intertextuality is prominent. It is possible to observe the nourishment received by the artists of the literary composition from the creations written in the past. Intertextuality means that phrases, terms, traditions of thought, and linguistic echoes from earlier works inspire later works. Here, the meaning contained in the previous creation is re-awakened by reading the post-creation, and the reader could read the secondary creation through new interpretations. From this point of view, it is possible to identify these intertextual characteristics of various literary genres and observe how this literary composition is used in the works of modern Sinhala poets. This study aims to point out the intertextual characteristics of Darshana Ratnayake's “Dutha Geethaya”. As a more discourse concept among Western critical approaches in the twentieth century, the study is expected to be carried out by examining whether Darshana Ratnayake's “Dutha Geethaya” can be read in terms of intertextuality. It is evident in the study, that the poet was nourished by references of Eastern literary traditions as well as Western works. In particular, the choice of the “Sandesh” format as a creative work that discusses a complex family-related problem in a modern dimension is also an explanation of the poet's inter-literary upbringing. The study here is intended to analyze intertextuality as a concept that harmonizes with the interpretations of Western scholars. It explores how Darshana Ratnayake uses those concepts in his creative work, and the support it has provided for creative delight. What effect will it have on inter-literary nutrition by probing previous works? The study expects to carry out a qualitative research by analyzing primary and secondary sources acquired from both libraries and online resources.