Murugan explores these characters, this society, in fascinating detail. Saroja and Kumaresan’s relationship is very complex, especially in his naivety and her increasing fear and regret. Even his mother, in all her violence and fury, is a complicated character whose perspective, although absurd, can be understood. Hence, Pyre is truly saddening, full of fleeting and unfulfilled happiness in the face of rigid social structures entrenched above anything else.

‘Later, when we hold the function for our daughter, we will get all these back, you see.’ She wasn’t sure if he truly believed that or if he was saying it merely to comfort her. Isn’t it enough that I am suffering now? Should I give birth to a daughter and watch her suffer too?