Feedback Thoughts

Feedback is tricky thing. It is something that we all love and hate. On the surface, everyone wants feedback. If I can be better somehow, I want someone to tell me! However, when it comes to actually receiving feedback, it's never as fun as it sounds. I think the problem with feedback is that is often feels like a personal attack.

To use the example of this class, when I leave a constructive comment on someone's story or project, I'm telling them how I think they could make their story better. I know that this has nothing to do with who they are as a person. We are a class, working together toward a common goal of making great stories and getting good grades. However, when I read a constructive comment on my own stories...it's hard not to take it personal. These stories (just like anything else in life that you receive feedback on) are something that you put a lot of thought and effort into. We are often proud of our work, so any suggestion can feel like an attack; that is just human nature.

I think the best way to make feedback easier to swallow is to remember to compliment what you like. You might have heard about the idea that you should "sandwich" feedback by putting compliments on either side.

Example: This story is really great! I like how you made Character A interact with Character B. But perhaps you could develop more on Character B's past. I think it would make the story flow better. I loved the character and would love to learn more about him!

Now, I've often heard this method critiqued because it seems like you are beating around the bush or not being straightforward with your feedback. However, I disagree. I think when we are trying to help each other, we need to make sure we tell them what we do like and what we don't like. Knowing what's good is just as important as knowing what needs work.

I think that as long as you are being honest, giving positive feedback can make the constructive criticism easier to take.

As for taking criticism, my favorite thing to remember is that you are more likely to succeed when you become comfortable with being uncomfortable. As one of the articles mentioned, feedback is uncomfortable! Sometimes, it is downright hard to take. But once you become more comfortable with this, you become better at taking criticism and learn how it will help you grow.

It's important to remember that the person giving you feedback just sees additional potential in you. At the end of the day, you want to be as successful as possible, and feedback is the way to get there!

(One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in college is the benefit of asking for feedback as much as possible! Moodle)

Story: Rama Fights for Sita

From the moment that Rama laid eyes on Sita, he knew that she would be his wife. He remembered the first day he saw her. She was taking a stroll through the meadow, singing joyfully to herself. She had no idea that Rama was watching. Her pure, carefree singing was enough to sweep Rama off his feet. Her long, dark hair shined under the sun and everything about her seemed effortless and wonderful. Rama instantly knew that he would do whatever it took to make Sita his bride.

Sita was the daughter of King Janaka. The king was very protective over his daughter and was extremely selective about who would get to marry her. He had heard of Rama. He knew that Rama was virtuous and strong with a noble heart. He thought perhaps that Rama could be fit to marry his daughter, but there was only one way to find out.

In order to marry Princess Sita, one had to engage in a challenge. There was a maze arranged in Janaka's kingdom. The maze's sole purpose was to select the chosen one who would marry Sita. Janaka had no control over who would win the maze. The maze was all-knowing and would test each man in ways that it knew would break them. Anyone who completed the maze was considered wise and powerful enough to marry the finest princess in the land.

On one fateful day, Rama received a letter. The letter glistened and gleamed when he opened it and Rama immediately knew that this was no ordinary message. He soon realized that he had been invited to compete in the maze for Sita's love. Ecstatic, he ran without stopping all the way to Janaka's kingdom. Rama knew that the maze was relentless. Men had been injured both physically and mentally from the things the maze was capable of. Most importantly, no one had ever completed it. Rama didn't care about the dangers and challenges of the maze. He would do anything to win Sita's heart.

When he arrived at the kingdom, King Janaka was waiting for him, sitting atop a throne. Standing below him were three other strong, determined men, who Rama realized were also fighting for Sita's love. The king informed the four men that a magical ring lay at the center of the maze. If any man were to reach it, he would be transported back to the king, who would then allow him to gift his daughter with the ring. At that, the men began stretching and preparing for the maze. At the king's demand, all four men entered the maze from different entries. The walls of the maze were made of vines that reached out and tried to grab the competitors. The walls reached so high, they seemed to touch the heavens. The maze was pitch black, lit with a faint eerie glow. Around each corner were traps and rakshasas, ready to fight and deter the men. Rama fought tirelessly for hours. His body was growing weaker, but his mind stayed strong. He knew that any sign of weakness could hinder him from winning his true love.

Throughout the night, Rama heard screams and wails of the other contestants. The screams lessened as time went on. He wondered if they were exiting the race. Then, a vine from the walls reached out and wrapped around his neck. Caught off guard, Rama was thrown to the ground. Using every last ounce of energy, he finally broke free from the vine. Tired, wounded, and struggling to breathe, Rama was not sure if he could stand back up. Just when he questioned whether or not he could go on, he heard the most beautiful noise. The noise was the purest voice singing the most beautiful melody. When he looked up, he realized that this must be the voice of his true love.

Rama jumped into action, and ran full-speed toward the voice, slashing through vines and letting nothing stop him. The noise was growing louder and he began to see a faint light in the distance. He ran toward the light and sound, and found what he knew was the magical ring. He looked around, trying to find the source of the music...but no one was there. Quickly, he grabbed the ring and was transported back to the beginning of the maze.

There he saw a tearful King Janaka and an overjoyed Princess Sita.

"Rama, son of Dasharatha!" King Janaka exclaimed. "You have succeeded at a task that many men before you have tried and failed! You and only you are worth of marrying my beloved daughter. I know that you will protect her just as I have protected her for all these years."

And with that, Rama presented Sita with the ring. Sita looked as beautiful as the day Rama first laid eyes on her. Her dark hair waved in the wind and a tear glistened down her beautiful, smiling face. Rama knew that every trial, both mental and physical, from the maze was well worth it. He would do it again in a heartbeat. He would do anything for Sita.

(The maze that a man must fight in order to win Sita's love. WikiMedia)

Author's Note: This story was inspired by the chapter "Rama Wins Sita" in the Public Domain Edition of The Ramayana. In the original story, Rama must bend Shiva's bow in order to win Sita, the woman he is in love with. This is the challenge set in place by her father, King Janaka. Of course, Rama breaks the bow and wins Sita. It was a relatively short story, so I wanted to change it up and make it longer. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you might have noticed that my story was inspired by the maze in the Triwizard Tournament from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I thought that incorporating one of my favorite movies into this story would be a fun twist. Since they both had elements of magic, it was fun to put them together. This was my first time to create my own story from an Indian epic, so using elements from another story made it a little easier for me. I enjoyed having the ability to morph one of my favorite movie scenes into this story. This helped me to realize how easy it can be to change up a story and how fun it can be!

Bibliography:
Public Domain Ramayana: Rama Wins Sita

Reading Notes: Public Domain Ramayana, Part B

Dasharatha's Funeral
The emotion in this story really touched me. It was clear that Dasharatha was widely loved and respected. I could really feel the emotion of how sad this funeral was for everyone.

Rama and Bharata
I wish this section would have elaborated more about when the brothers were reunited. I think there could have been an intense scene where Bharata was searching for Rama. I can only imagine the emotions he might have been feeling. Was he scared that Rama would be injured or maybe even dead? I feel like his heart would have skipped a beat when he finally heard their voices and ran toward them. Of course he would be very happy to see his brother, but it would also be a somber moment due to the passing of their father.

I also thought that the exchange between the brothers about obeying the commands and good versus evil could be changed into a new story with a more modern theme.

The Sandals
I really liked this part of the story! The sandals that touched Rama's feet became a precious symbol. This reminded me of Cinderella. In both stories, it was known that a prince or princess would return to claim the shoe. I think there could be a creative way to connect these stories.

Viradha
This was an interesting fight scene. It was different because he could not be killed with weapons. I think it would be interesting to make a more modern version of this story or switch it up  a little. I don't have any specific ideas at this time, but there is a lot of room for creativity here.

Shurpanakha and Rama
I thought it was kind of humorous that Rama passed Shurpanakha on to his brother. However, I thought it was sweet that he defended Sita without giving it a second thought.

The Golden Deer
I like that Sita was so fascinated by the golden deer. Poor sweet Rama would do anything to please her!

Jatayu and Ravana
I kind of thought that Jatayu was a very random character. I liked that he came in and tried to help.

Sita in Lanka
I love that Sita is so faithful to Rama. In this scene she denies Ravana's advances with great strength.

Rama and Jatayu
Jatayu is back and tells Rama what happened. It is so sweet that Jatayu gave his life for Rama and Sita. He is a great character!

Kabandha
I liked that this rakshasa was not what he appeared to be and actually ended up helping them.

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

(This beautifully colored image shows Ravana and Sita. Sita denying Ravana because of her love for Rama was one of my favorite parts today. Source)

Reading Notes: Public Domain Ramayana, Part A

Rama: Avatar of Vishnu
I thought this story was so interesting! I liked that after such an intense process for Dasharatha to have heirs, Vishnu is coming to earth as one of these sons. This is a serious plot twist. I think it would be fun to use this in Storytelling somehow.

Vishvamitra
In this story, I was drawn to how Lakshmana was feeling. Dasharatha was so worried about Rama and the whole story is really focusing on Rama. It is interesting to think about how Lakshmana felt. Did he resent Rama? Was he jealous? What was his personality like that helped him deal with this favoritism? This would be an easy place to create a spin-off story.

Thataka In this section, I was drawn to the mystical gifts that he receives. If I were to change the story, what is something that he could have received instead?

Ahalya

This is the story where Gautama curses Ahalya to be invisible because she was unfaithful. I think I could do a lot with this story! Since Ahalya was tricked by Indra, I think Ahalya should use her invisibility to seek revenge on him...or maybe all men.

Sita
This is the eternal heavenly love story of Sita and Rama. I love the possibilities that exist here.

King Janaka/Rama Wins Sita
This is the part where the king has a challenge set in place for anyone who wants to marry his daughter. The challenge is to bend the bow, but it would be fun to create a story with a different challenge!

Rama the Heir Apparent
Here, Rama is decided to be the obvious heir. Again, I think it would be fascinating to hear from the other brothers. Rama has always been the favorite. He is very virtuous and well-loved, but how do his siblings feel about his popularity? There is definitely room for elaboration here.

Rama is Banished
It really shocked me how willing Rama was to be banished. I'm not sure what I could do here to change the story, but this part really fascinated me.

Rama Goes into Exile
I thought it was very touching that his brother and wife were so determined to accompany him in his banishment.

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

(My favorite part of today's reading was when Rama won Shiva. Wikimedia)