Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana Part B

Reading the pages for Part B for the Ramayana were really interesting. What I have been doing for this section are underlining phrases that I think are important within the reading. One of my favorite parts within the reading for Narayan's Ramayana was when Bharatha approached his mother and stated that's she heartless, a snake, and devious woman. Not even her own child respected her due to the decision she had made. This gave me some inspiration because I thought if I were to include Kaikeyi within my story, she may just become the snake she was meant to be. 

Another aspect of the story I thought was important to underline involved Jatayu, a Great Eagle, who once fought alongside Rama's father in his previous life. When Jatayu found out about the death of Dasaratha he swore to end his life. I saw that as being important because the talk of suicide is found throughout the Ramayana. Suicide tends to be a subject that is not talked about much. I thought it was interesting the thought of suicide was prevalent within the story. I guess it is not uncommon, but at the time I was reading I thought it was important to underline. 

My favorite character for this reading so far is Soorpanaka. Surprisingly, I almost feel bad for Soorpanaka. However, Soorpanaka also causes her own harm. There was one moment within the reading that I thought Soorpanaka was savage. Within Narayan's text, Soorpanaka states, "If by chance, Lakshmana ever questions, 'How can I live with a woman without a nose,' tell him that he can in the same way as you live with one who is without a waist." (71). Without the extra context Narayan provides, I would have thought Soorpanaka was savage. However, with the context provided Soorpanaka was kind of complimenting Sita. However, I would still like to believe she was insulting Sita. 
                                                          
Here is a picture of what Kaikeyi really is. Source: Wikimedia

Bibliography: R.K. Narayan, Ramayana 

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