Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Reading Notes: Public Domain Ramayana, Part D

Rama Attacks
In this scene, Ravana tries to trick Sita into believing that Rama has been slain. She believes him and immediately wishes to join him in death. However, she soon realizes that this was a trick. I think that her loyalty to Rama is truly beautiful. Ravana seems to have endless tricks up his sleeve, as many evil forces in our lives do...trying to trick us into making poor decisions. I think this could be turned into a more modern story somehow.

Indrajit
In this scene, Garuda comes to the aid of Rama and Lakshmana when they appeared to be dead. Unfortunately, Ravana showed Sita the image of Rama and Lakshmana appearing to be lifeless on the ground. I can only imagine her despair at this time.

Kumbhakarna
This was an interesting scene. Kumbhakarna is the sleeping giant who wakes to eat scary amounts of food, animals, and people. It was a little strange, but I think you could make a modern spinoff somehow.

Lakshmana and Indrajit
This time, Indrajit tries to convince Rama that Sita has been slain. Again, Sita and Rama's love is extremely apparent. These scenes really touch my heart and would be easy to re-tell in a modern way.

At the end of the scene, Lakshmana kills Indrajit.

Ravana's Lament
This scene actually made me sympathize for Ravana. No father wants to have to bury his son. His lament was surprisingly heartfelt and emotional. However, his reaction to kill Sita was unwarranted. I'm glad that they did not let him go through with that plan!

Indra's Chariot
I had almost forgotten that the gods were the ones who planned for Rama to defeat Ravana. This is such an interesting plot of the story.

Mandodari's Lament
This lament was very heartfelt and sad. I know that it is custom for these men to have several wives, but it was send when Mandodari talked about him wanting Sita and forgetting about his wife. I think that this could be turned into a modern story. There is still the underlying theme of forgetting what you already have and lusting over what you wish you had.

Sita and Rama
I hate this part. I was excited for Sita and Rama to be reunited and this was rather devastating. Sita was kidnapped and raped...this was not her fault, but Rama is no longer attached to her.

Sita Tested
I loved that Sita stood up for herself and demanded that everyone know the truth. She is a very powerful female character and I would like to write more stories about her and maybe about this scene.

Here, Rama also learns the truth about who he is and what he was meant to do.

Rama and Bharata
Here, Rama comes back and the sandals are placed back on his feet!

Valmiki's Hermitage
I could not believe that after all that Rama would banish Sita. However, I love the part of the scene when Rama comes across the two sons that he doesn't know are his.

Source: http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/ramayana-online-public-domain-edition.html

(My favorite part of today's reading was when Sita was tested and protected from the fire. Source)

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