February 7, 2018

Reading Notes: Reading B: The Ramayana p. 134- 157


All good things must come to an end... 

I finished reading The Ramayana by R.K. Narayan pages 134 - 157. We finally reach the chapters that discuss the Great War between Rama and his army against Ravana and his army in Lanka (Ravana's City). I felt that there was not enough description of the fighting between the two armies (p. 134-138). Monkeys are fighting against men and demons the descriptions of the fight should be able to help readers envision an epic battle scene! Sadly, I didn't get a vivid picture in my mind of the fighting between the armies. I could create a more detailed battle scene between the two armies as a possible new story. I was also surprised to read that Ravana's youngest brother, Vibishana tried to stop him from going up against Rama then when Ravana got angry with him and planned on fighting against Rama, Vibishana fled and went to Rama for an asylum (p. 132). Vibishana ends up helping Rama and his army by warning them about Ravana's army and weapons he will use in the battle. Vibishana is an integral part of Rama's story, and without his help, Rama might not have been able to defeat Ravana. Even though Vibishana is crowned the King of Lanka after Ravana defeat, I think a story should be written about this brother. Vibishana lived with all of the different demons and evil men but was still able to do the right thing, and the Hanuman notes how well his house was in order (p. 131). A story could be created to highlight how Vibishana was able to remain so good even when surrounded by so much evil. The final story creation I could make and would like to make is to change the ending when Rama is cold and short to Sita after she was rescued. Rama acted entirely out of character. I did not like how he treated her; even the gods were upset with how Rama handled Sita (p. 150). I would like to have Rama excitedly going to Sita after winning against Ravana and embracing her because of how she was treated while captured.


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Image: Couple embracing. Source: pexels by luizclas

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