Reading Notes: Ramayana (PDE), Part A

Rama on Wikipedia

       I chose to read the Public Domain Edition of the Ramayana. Since we will be reading the Ramayana in four parts, each section we read will contain twenty small chapters. I thought it would be easiest to take my notes on each chapter in list form with chapter numbers instead of titles. I have done that on paper, and these will be useful for remembering names and relationships later on in the course. Putting all of my notes into this blog post would be too much. I assume that no one wants to read all of that, so I included just the first seven chapters of part A. I have noted some key events, terms, and themes, along with their respective chapter numbers.

There are a number of techniques that I may draw inspiration from for future assignments in this course. One characteristic that I like about the Ramayana is that it gives substantial contextual information, as well as information about various characters, such as gods. This is similar to Greek or Roman mythology. A figure might be casually mentioned in one story, but also have their own exciting tale. This is a good method for transitioning between plots that have a similar base but whose stories are actually very different. There is also the “story within a story” technique that I might use in my own writing. This can be a good method to explain certain events or characters in greater detail without detracting from the original tale. I also like that the Ramayana has consistent themes that link each tale together in an overarching concept, such as the clarity between good and evil.

1. - Context - imagery, relationships, names
Many characters mentioned
Problem introduced at end of chapter (Dasharatha wants a son)

2. - Ashwamedha = horse sacrifice
Gods mentioned - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Indra
Dasharatha to have four sons

3. - Ravana = King of Rakshasas
Theme - clear boundary between good and evil
Ravana cannot be killed by god, only monkey or human
Plan - Vishnu to divide into Dasharatha's four sons
Introduction to Rama

4. - Foreshadowing - Vishvamitra assures Dasharatha of son’s success

5. - Rakshasa, Thataka = mother of Maricha
Rama = good and beautiful, Thataka = evil and ugly
Use of mantras - Rama gains celestial weapons

6. - Story within a story - Vishvamitra tells Rama a story
Ancient, good king Sagara reigned for 30,000 years and had 60,000 sons
Introduction to generous goddess, Ganga

7. - Story within a story
Indra loves Ahalya and disguises himself as Gautama
The story is a lengthy poem

Ramayana. Public Domain Edition, Web. Link 

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