Week 2: Reading Diary B

The Ramayana by R.K. Narayan.
Reading Notes. pages 53-89.


Important Notes:

• King Dasaratha's death was caused by the fact that his two sons were venturing out in the forest. 
• Rama's exile is also taken very harshly. Everyone in the kingdom is heartbroken that someone as innocent and great as Rama could be put into exile for such a long period of time. I'm glad that Lakshmana, Rama's half-brother, and his wife, Sita, join him on this journey. It's amazing to see that even though everyone knows how tough exile can be, Lakshmana and Sita don't even hesitate to proclaim that they will be by his side no matter what happens. Sita's line on pg 56 was pretty touching. She said, "My place is at your side wherever you may be; I am alive only when I am with you." That definitely shows some serious commitment, passion, and dedication. 
• I knew I liked Bharatha from the start. Instead of following along with his mother's evil plan, he refused to take the throne and went on a search with his men to find Rama. I think the move he made, taking Rama's sandals and putting them on the throne and only ruling temporarily till Rama returned was a very selfless and mature thing to do.
• It's also crazy to see how many people try to come in between Rama and Sita. So many people are jealous of their beautiful and devoted relationship that it overcomes them and all they want to do is squeeze in between and ruin it. Soorpanaka was one of the characters that tries to take Sita's spot because she is jealous of the bond that her and Rama have and also because it seems she is slightly obsessed with Rama. Rama, being the better and bigger person admits that she is beautiful but after realizing her true intentions, chooses his wife. After Soorpanaka returns home to Ravana, she describes Sita so well, that Ravana falls in love with Sita's description and then decides to pursue her. Maricha and Ravana construct a plan to abduct Sita using a golden deer. It seems like Rama and Sita can never catch a break. 

Predictions:
I think that the ending was a bit of a cliffhanger. I'm sure that since Lakshmana has left Sita unprotected, Sita will now be abducted by Ravana. I still have a weird feeling about Soorpanaka too. I'm sure that if Ravana somehow brings Sita home, Soorpanaka will be extremely jealous and hateful and probably try to harm Sita in her sleep or something. A part of me also thinks that the heroic Rama will once again save the day and bring Sita back to him but in turn Lakshmana will somehow either be killed or severely injured.