Extra Credit Reading Notes: Ramayana B
Public Domain Edition: Ramayana
Author sources: M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder
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Following the death of Dasharatha, Bharata deals with the aftermath of emotions. I found the first episode of this part, episode 21, specifically very interesting because of the exchange between Kaikeyi and Bharata, regarding the news. Bharata was not aware of the passing until he reached his mother in Ayodya. There, Kaikeyi, without emotion, shares the tragic news. Barata's contrasting overflow of emotions brought up several questions to me. For example, typically it is socially acceptable for women to express emotions. Shatrughna and Bharata were confused and angry at the mother for her seemingly heartless attitude.
Bharata had a loving relationship with his now deceased father, and it is emphasized in the grif he experiences. Additionally, he does not feel worthy of accepting the throne. The author then describes the funeral ritual in detail, surrounded by many symbols and sacrifices. In the middle of the tragedy, Bharata also received the news of Rama. After Bharata goes to Chitrakuta, the brothers are reunited. Rama explains that he cannot return home because he has vowed to an act of penance. However, Rama offers sandals, which to me, hold great symbolic significance in the story. It is almost as if Bharata will walk in Rama's shoes to gain the strength ans wisdom that Rama has.
Continuing into another episode, while Rama is in the forest with Sita, they come into contact with a rakshasa beast named Viradha. Rama comes to Sita's rescue, much like superman, using his bow and arrow in attempt the confident beast. Struggling to kill the beast with their weapons, Rama and Lakshmana dig a pit, and throw Viradha into a pit. After an intense monologue, the beast is freed from the pit and cast into heaven. This episode had a much quicker and contrasted with the less action-packed episodes before it.
Rama is approached by Shurpanakha. She seeks to be with Rama, however, his loyalty to Sita is exemplified to the reader, as he does not budge. Rama is faithful to Sita. However, this didn't surprise me as her character is described as very unattractive. This also makes me wonder why Rama willfullingly offers her to his brother.
Author sources: M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder
Click!
The Sandals, Wikimedia
Following the death of Dasharatha, Bharata deals with the aftermath of emotions. I found the first episode of this part, episode 21, specifically very interesting because of the exchange between Kaikeyi and Bharata, regarding the news. Bharata was not aware of the passing until he reached his mother in Ayodya. There, Kaikeyi, without emotion, shares the tragic news. Barata's contrasting overflow of emotions brought up several questions to me. For example, typically it is socially acceptable for women to express emotions. Shatrughna and Bharata were confused and angry at the mother for her seemingly heartless attitude.
Bharata had a loving relationship with his now deceased father, and it is emphasized in the grif he experiences. Additionally, he does not feel worthy of accepting the throne. The author then describes the funeral ritual in detail, surrounded by many symbols and sacrifices. In the middle of the tragedy, Bharata also received the news of Rama. After Bharata goes to Chitrakuta, the brothers are reunited. Rama explains that he cannot return home because he has vowed to an act of penance. However, Rama offers sandals, which to me, hold great symbolic significance in the story. It is almost as if Bharata will walk in Rama's shoes to gain the strength ans wisdom that Rama has.
Continuing into another episode, while Rama is in the forest with Sita, they come into contact with a rakshasa beast named Viradha. Rama comes to Sita's rescue, much like superman, using his bow and arrow in attempt the confident beast. Struggling to kill the beast with their weapons, Rama and Lakshmana dig a pit, and throw Viradha into a pit. After an intense monologue, the beast is freed from the pit and cast into heaven. This episode had a much quicker and contrasted with the less action-packed episodes before it.
Rama is approached by Shurpanakha. She seeks to be with Rama, however, his loyalty to Sita is exemplified to the reader, as he does not budge. Rama is faithful to Sita. However, this didn't surprise me as her character is described as very unattractive. This also makes me wonder why Rama willfullingly offers her to his brother.
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