Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part B

I was very excited to continue reading The Ramayana for today's reading because yesterday's reading ended right as Rama was sentenced to exile for fourteen years. I was really looking forward to see where his time in exile would lead and it surely did not disappoint. The stories where Rama met Soorpanaka and when Ravana challenged Rama were so thrilling and a major page turner! I couldn't wait to figure out what happened next.

The fact that Ravana could picture what Sita looked like just by Soorpanaka's description of her helped me realize just how beautiful Sita is. When Soorpanaka was telling Ravana about Rama, and how Ravana felt about Sita, shows just how superficial Soorpanaka and Ravana are. They see to it that only their needs are met, not caring about anyone or anything else in the world. This is the complete opposite from Rama...he would do anything for his kingdom, people, and family.

When Mareecha transformed himself into the golden deer, the detail and anticipation was so much fun to read. Would Mareecha defeat Rama? Would Rama defeat Mareecha? Would Ravana get Sita out of all of this? Or would Sita stay with her husband? It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat!

As I was reading part A of The Ramayana today, I was thinking of things I could implement into my storytellings. This is what I came up with:

IV. Encounter's in Exile

• I could write as story as if Soorpanaka was cat fishing Rama by pretending she was someone completely different on some sort of social media

V. The Grand Tormentor

• I could write a story where Ravana is a child and doesn't know what he wants but has to get his way
• I could also write how Ravana is a bridezilla and has to have things perfect for his big day

Bibliography 

Narayan's Ramayana, link to Reading Guide B

Painting of Soorpanaka after her nose was cut off, Web Source