[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Literature, language and dating](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature) › [A History of Indian Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.winternitz-1927) › v2.c19.s3.t2.138 # A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s3.t2.138 A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s3.t2.138 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c19.s3.t2.138](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.winternitz-1927.v2.c19.s3.t2.138) The refrain and the repetition of typical phrases are a characteristic feature of these poems.¹ The semi-dramatic dialogue form, too, is very popular. Thus one of the "Songs of the Lady Elders" (Therīg. 271 ff.) is a conversation between daughter and father, in which the daughter sets forth the advantages of the monastic life, and converts her father. Another of these songs (Therīg. 291 ff.) introduces a man—he was first a monk, then became a hunter, had a son, and now desires to become a monk again—in conversation with his wife, who is trying to dissuade him from his resolve; she threatens to kill the child if he leaves her; but he remains firm: - [Previous: v2.c19.s3.t2.137](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.winternitz-1927.v2.c19.s3.t2.137) - [Next: v2.c19.s3.t2.139](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.winternitz-1927.v2.c19.s3.t2.139) - [Up: v2.c19.s3.t2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.winternitz-1927.v2.c19.s3.t2) ## Cites (1) - [Therīgāthā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.theravada.sp.khuddaka.therigatha) — Pāli --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.winternitz-1927.v2.c19.s3.t2.138](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.winternitz-1927.v2.c19.s3.t2.138) · Pramāṇa