bdennisoublog: Reading Notes: Ramayana Part A

17. Rama goes into exile. Rama must go into exile but his wife Sita refuses to be apart from him. She says "Rather would I sleep with thee on the bare ground than lie here alone on a bed of down. Without thee I have no desire to live". Rama Goes into Exile. They both use a lot of powerful language such as this when talking about their love. I think this story has a lot of classic elements of stories such as powerful love, sacrifice, exile, and honor. The love between these characters is a powerful story element all they way from chapter 8 onward. This is when they met and it is also described with a lot of flowery, romantic language, with them falling deeply in love at first sight. I think any of the stories detailing there relationship could be easily retold. A modern or futuristic retelling of strong romance between these people. Even stories not pertaining to their relationship, but including both of them were heavily influence by the power of their love. In chapter 18-Crossing the river-Ramas primary concern - even with everything else going on- is to ensure that Sita is protected and will remain safe. Not all of the stories pertained to their relationship. Many chapters took place before they meet, but they still have a lot of powerful language and a sense of foreboding for the great things it seems Rama will go on to do. This is very apparent in the chapter where Rama is born. His birth is described with great prophesy and detail and it is clear he is the chosen son destined for greatness.
One thing I had difficulty with was keeping track of all the names and people. Thankfully it is very easy to access background information on all of the big names in the stories. .
Rama-Rama Background
Dasharatha-Dasharatha Background
Vishvamitra-Vishvamitra Background
Sita-Vishvamitra Background