(i) The source is a Tamil essay, written in 1927 by Thiru. Vi. Ka and translated by A.R.Venkatachalapathy. (ii) The message is that children should avoid the novels like the plague. The writer warns that even touching the novels would lead to diseases and ailments, and their lives would be ruined.The message is for the girls, whose role as mothers in society would be jeopardised. They would be despised by their near and dear ones, their happiness would be destroyed and their role, assigned to them by divine powers, would suffer. Novels are despicable and will drive the girl readers crazy.