Reading Notes: Ramayana PDE, Part B

In this section, I decided to focus on the plot. For the first few sections of this part, not a lot happened. I think that this story goes through a lot of climaxes, and then has a few parts after that where the action calms down, and then picks back up again. I thought that was an interesting way to write as it keeps the reader interested, but doesn't overwhelm them with action. For example, this part started with something very intense. Rama figures out that his father is dead and he has to plan and perform the rituals at his funeral. I liked this because the connections between him and his father were clearly shown. After this scene, there was a bit of a lull, just a few stories here and there. 

A few sections later, the story picks up again with Shurpanakha. I thought the introduction of this character was intriguing, as she brings a lot of conflict with her. First, there is the fight with her brothers after she is rejected by Rama. I thought this was a good plot twist because we would not have expected him to have another sister that is in love with him. Then the battles came and I liked the part where Ravana plans on kidnapping Sita. I feel like there are a lot of conflicts that always end in battles or challenges, so it was interesting to read about something that was a little bit different. I also really liked the aspect of the Gods putting a spell on Sita so that she could be protected. 

Ravana

PDE Ramayana from here. Sources used: M. Dutt, R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Hodgson, Mackenzie, Nivedita, Oman, Richardson, and Ryder.