Week 2 Reading Diary B: Rama in Exile

Bharatha like most people loves and admires Rama. He even stopped himself from killing his mother, because he knew Rama would be upset. Pg. 58

Bharatha chooses to use Rama’s sandals as a symbol of him, which he places on the throne to hold Rama’s place. Pg. 61

Kamavalli describes Sita as a, “creature… and deceiver.” She does not know that Sita is married to Rama.  Pg. 66

One of the best parts is when Rama eggs Kamavalli (Soorpanka) on by telling her to show Sita who she really is. In the end Sita makes a fool of herself by showing her true evil side, not the good side she claims to have. (one of my favorite scenes) Pg. 67

I find it interesting that Soorpanka’s feelings for Rama are compared to Sita’s, described as if she was in love with him. Saying the god of love’s shafts was piercing her heart. Pg. 68

Soorpanka believes that, “If [she] removes [Sita] from [Rama’s] side… [Rama] will then naturally take to [her].” She begins to plot how to get rid of Sita. Pg. 68

When Ravana is introduced it is described that he has enslaved the reigning gods, and given them meaningless jobs. I found this scene interesting, because it really shows how powerful and how much of a problem Ravana actually is. Pg. 74

Ravana banishes all the seasons, because he is so taken over by his love for the image of Sita put in his head. When they discuss how Ravana cools himself off… pg. 77

Lakshmana seems to be the real hero so far. He has saved Sita, and also knew that the deer was just an illusion created by Mareecha. Pg. 82

(Image Source: The Death of Mareecha)