Monday, August 25, 2014

Week 2: Reading Diary B: Exile

In this section, I was particularly struck by the level of devotion shown by the characters toward their family. Lakshmana and Sita's unwavering devotion to Rama, following him into a difficult and dangerous life; Lakshmana's and Bharata's rage at discovering what Kaikeyi had plotted; even all the townspeople, animals, and nature itself grieved at the news of Rama's exile. Also, Rama was remarkably graceful, forgiving, and accepting of his fate. Bharata, too, showed great grace, loyalty, and humility by refusing to usurp Rama's rightful throne, placing Rama's sandals on the throne as a sign of his deference.

Something I thought was interesting was how Rama and Sita affected Soorpanakha and Ravana. The rakshasas' lovesickness was very like that of Rama and Sita when they first laid eyes on each other. It was very dramatic, with each hallucinating their love's form, and Ravana was physically tormented by the mere thought and image of Sita, just as Sita was for Rama.

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