Week 13 Review: Cue/Queue

As I was looking through the announcements for the past few days, I saw this funny distinction between queue and cue. I think it's funny because when I went the U.K. a few summers ago, I first noticed that they used the term queue instead of line and I thought that was so odd!

(Cue/Queue,

Tuesday's announcements)

Reading Notes: A Flowering Tree, Part G

I continued reading A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India for this weeks reading. I read stories forty-eight through fifty-two. There stories are very odd and they all deal with somewhat similar concepts, mainly about adultery. It seems that in almost every story, the wife is cheating on the husband with another man and eventually, their lover is somehow killed.

I really like how in "Princess of Seven Jasmine", the prince must complete separate tasks in order to win the princess' hand in marriage. This seems like it is a common theme throughout many epics from India. I also like how the prince helped other creatures, who eventually came to him in his time of need.

As I was reading, I was thinking of ways that I could rewrite some of these stories. They are as follows:

49. The Pomegranate Queen

• I could write where the mother of Indra doesn't approve of the pomegranate queen and so Indra cannot marry her

50. A Poor Man

• I could write where Ganapati did actually give the poor man 5000 rupees and in turn the poor man had to give all that money to the merchant

51. Princess of Seven Jasmines

• I could write where he has more modern tasks to accomplish

52. Prince who Married his Own Left Half

• I could write about hours leading up to the operation in the eyes of the father, prince, and surgeon
• I could write how son dies in surgery
• I could write how he did solve the riddle and the wife had to kill herself

Bibliography

A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India, J.K. Ramanujan, Online Source

Photo of a Jasmine Flower, Web Source

Reading Notes: A Flowering Tree, Part F

I once again continued reading A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India for today's reading. I read stories thirty-eight to forty-seven today. I feel as though these stories are a little less odd than some of the other ones I've read from this book. They usually always have a happy ending and don't have too many weird things happen throughout them.

One of the ones that I found very sad was "The Mother Who Married Her Own Son". This was one of the few stories that didn't have a happy ending in this set of stories that I read. I enjoyed however the way that the story was written. I like how she couldn't believe what her father told her, so she left the Godly world and came down to the human world and this ended up being how everything went so wrong for her. The way that the author wrote the story helped convey the pain that the mother felt when she gave birth to her son, and later found out that her son had become her husband.

As I was reading, I took notes of things that I could use in my writings:

38. A Minister's Word

• I could write where the minister was the one who stopped the King from being killed

40. The Mother Who Married Her Own Son

• I could write how the son/husband/brother wanted to marry her but she refused

41. Muddanna

• I could simply rewrite this tale in my own words

42. Nagarani (Serpent Queen)

• I could use this to write about Betsy's decision (or lack thereof)

44. Ninga on my Palm

• I could write from the mother-in-law's point of view

46. An Old Couple

• I could write how the old couple there parties every single night

47. The Past Never Passes

• I could use this to write about how Betsy's "killer" past never left her

Bibliography

A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramanujan, Online Source

Photo of a Sari, Web Source

Reading Notes: A Flowering Tree, Part E

For this part of this weeks reading, I continued my journey of reading A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India. I read stories thirty to thirty-seven. There are so many fascinating stories that are apart of this book. I will admit, some of them are very odd, but I don't like them any less! They definitely help me get a better feel for the Indian culture!

I love all f the detail that went into the Lamp Woman story. The whole story was very sad to me how she felt tormented by Mother Fate and felt that the only way out was to die. This seems as though it can relate back to today's culture with the high presence of suicide, especially within the young adult ages. Then, that after she tries to die she eventually lives with her sister-in-law, who torments her even more by shaving her head and lighting a fire atop her head.

I also really enjoyed the irony of the story about Hucca. It was his stupidity that actually led to the rest of his successful and comfortable life due to the fact that no one believed him about the gold and silver he found. It reminded me of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

As I was reading through these stories, I started thinking of ways I could make them my own. They are as follows:

30. Hucca

• I could write from Hucca's point of view
• I could write from the towns people point of view
• I could write where the brothers tried to trick Hucca into doing something for them

31. The Husband's Shadow

• I could write from the shadow's point of view

32. In the Kingdom of Foolishness

• I could make the tale more modern

33. In Search of a Dream

• I could write where the princesses don't actually return to their original form, in other words they actually die

34. King and Peasant

• I could write from the peasant wife's point of view

35. Kutlavva

• I could write from the strangers point of view

36. The Lampstand Woman

• I could switch genders
• I could write more modern where the princess goes mad
• I could write how the princess has depression

Bibliography

A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramanujan, Online Source

Photo of silver and gold coins, Web Source

Reading Notes: A Flowering Tree, Part D

I am continuing my journey into A Flowering Tree for todays reading notes by reading stories eighteen through twenty-nine. As I mentioned in yesterday's notes, the stories can get a bit odd. In today's reading, it is nothing short of that. There are still multiple stories of people beating one another and odd attempts at incest relationships within families. Many of these stories are all tied back to a common incident where people or animals come back from the dead.

As I was reading, I really enjoyed Flute of Joy, Flute of Sorrow. I enjoyed the detail that was put into the story. You could feel how the cows and boy were feeling while reading the whole story because of how it was written. I also really enjoyed the trail that was written in The Greatest Things. It gave the story a nice comedic effect, all while actually writing a somewhat scary story about finding the thing greater than God.

As I was reading, I took notes on things that may help me write my stories for the week. Here are a few notes I came up with:

18. Dwarfs

• So weird
• Why did she call him a midget if she knew he would get angry?

19. A Flowering Tree

• So many killings
• I could write from youngest daughter's view
• I could write from wife's view

20. Flute of Joy, Flute of Sorrow

• So happy it had a good ending
• I could write about like in the palace from the cows point of view

21. Fools

• I could write from wife's view
• I could write how wife and husband actually are the biggest fools in the world

22. Jackal King

• I could write how people made fun of him since he looked different rather than praised him for being different
• I could write how the blue began to fade away

23. For Love of Kadabu

• I could write where they actually die
• I could write where they argue over something else

24. A Girl in a Picture

• I could write opposite where he didn't have everything he could ever want and when he fawned over the girl in the picture, he got everything he wished for

26. A Golden Sparrow

• I could write from the second lady's point of view

29. The Horse Gram Man

• What in the actual world

Bibliography

A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramanujan, Web Source

Photo of a flowering tree, Online Source

Reading Notes: A Flowering Tree, Part C

For this reading notes, I decided to continue reading A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramanujan. The stories in this book are very fun and I would highly suggest reading them if you get the chance! I read stories thirteen through seventeen for this set of reading notes.

Many of the stories have very odd twists and turns especially at the very end of the story. Stories thirteen and fourteen both dealt with bad family relations. In story thirteen after two daughters were born to a dog, the older one ends up killing the dog mother in fear of anyone finding out she was born to a dog. This made me so sad, however the older daughter ended up getting exactly what she deserved since she ended up being killed by a snake. In story fourteen, a husband goes away to war and his wife is infatuated with his brother. When he doesn't accept her advances, she turns him into a dog. His brother ends up returning home from war and is able to turn his brother back into a human. After this, he ends up whipping his wife. Both of these stories are so violent and it shocked me when I was reading the stories. Although in both stories the women somewhat got what they deserved, it was disturbing to read this, especially since this story book is almost aimed towards children! However, it teaches very valuable lessons!

As I was reading, I was thinking about somethings I could write about for my stories this week. Here are a few ideas:
13. A Dog's Daughters

• I could write from the view of the snake
• I could write from the view of the dog
• I could write from the view of the king/queens and what happened to their puppy children

14. A Dog's Story

• I could write where he whips his brother instead
• I could write where wife turns into dog

15. Dolls

• I could write from dolls view
• I could make the dolls even more creepy and have them kill

16. Double Double

• I could give the story more detail

17. Dumma and Dummi

• I could write where the fart doesn't scare the tiger, instead it gives them away and the tiger kills them both
• I could write where the fart actually kills the tiger and wife

Bibliography

A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramamujan, Web Source

Creepy Doll, Online Source

Reading Notes: A Flowering Tree, Part B

For this set of reading notes, I continued reading A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramanujan. I read stories seven through twelve. Once again, I was amazed by this book. I love the way that these stories are told. I feel like I am reading fairy tales and watching characters come to life. As I was reading, I was getting a lot of great ideas about possible stories for both my storybook and weekly stories to write.

In The Clever Daughter-in-law I was amazed by how much damage the daughter-in-law could do. Obviously the mother-in-law and husband deserved getting schemed in the end. It is amazing all the things she could accomplish to make them fall to her and for her to be "ruler of the house." There was so much detail that was written in this story and I could just see it all playing out in front of me. I could see the statue of the goddess having it's hand over it's mouth and I could see the daughter-in-law beating the statue's head. Then, when it talked about how the daughter-in-law bit the robbers tongue off, I was so surprised and disgusted! It was truly a fantastic story.

As I was reading, I started thinking about ways that I could incorporate these stories into my writings. Here are a few things I came up with:

7. Cannibal Sister

• I could rewrite about Betsey
• I could write how Betsy is a demoness

8. Chain Tale

• I could write how one thing always leads to another

9. Another Chain Tale: What an Ant can do

• I could write about revenge/karma
• Could write where the underdog wins
• Could write my own chain tale

10. Clever Daughter-in-law

• Can definitely use for storybook
• Write Betsy as the daughter-in-law

11. Couple of Misers

• I could rewrite where they touch things and they turn into different things other than rupees/growing in length

12. Dead Prince and the Talking Doll

• I could write how the doll was possessed and killed the acrobat girl

Bibliography

A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramanujan, Online Source

Picture of an Ant, Web Source

Reading Notes: A Flowering Tree, Part A

I have chosen to begin reading A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramanujan for this week and the coming weeks. It is filled with multiple small stories, very similar to Aesop's Fables. I grew up reading Aesop's Fables, so I figured I would really enjoy this book and so far I have! Plus, I feel as though I can get a lot of good ideas from these stories for my storybook project.

This week, I read the first six stories from A Flowering Tree. Some of them were very odd and there were multiple occasions where family members wanted to marry their sister or daughter. Each of the stories were very interesting and fun to read. I really like how these stories are written because they are short and easy to read. It's also nice to have each story be completely different because this way I don't lose interest in what I'm reading.

The first story tells the story of a woman who would never tell a story that she knew or sing a song she knew. Eventually they escaped and disguised themselves as a coat and shoes. This caused problems within her marriage. This story is very important because it shows the repercussions of what happens if you don't tell stories and why stories need to be told. I fell as though this goes back to my storybook because it is all written in a journal setting about the main characters life, which can be represented as a storytelling!

As I was reading, I was thinking how I could possible re-write these stories and these are some ideas I came up with:

1. A Story and a Song

• I could write what the song and story that the woman kept in was
• I could write in my storybook how Betsy had to write what happened so she wouldn't forget

2. Acacia Trees

• I could write themes of karma and dharma in my storybook

3. The Adventure of a Disobedient Prince

• I could write in a fairytale setting where the Granny is the fairy god-mother
• I could write where after all the things happen, he goes back to thank the Granny for being the reason he got his first wife in the first place

4. Bride for a Dead Man

• I could write where Chennavva kills herself

5. A Brother, a Sister, and a Snake

• I could write how the stepmother wouldn't leave

6. A Buffalo without Bones

• I could write how she actually dies
• I could write where she chooses one of the three cousins

Bibliography

A Flowering Tree and Other Oral Tales from India by A.K. Ramanujan, Online Source

Photo of coat on a coat rack, Web Source

Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part C

This week's reading had so many exciting and thrilling things going on, it was hard to keep up! I left off at the Pandavas beginning of their exile. In the Ramayana, there was so much that happened during Rama's exile and the Mahabharata did not disappoint! There was so much detail that went into everything in this part of the Mahabharata reading. I really enjoyed reading about the Pandavas life in exile...it felt like I was there living with them in the forest.

One thing I really enjoyed about this part of the reading was that the Ramayana and the Mahabharata had a major crossover with Hanuman. It was nice to revisit this character. I wish he had played a bigger part in this epic, however he did teach Bhima a very important lesson when it came to life. The riddle part of the epic was also a ver good and clever part to the story.

The detail that was put into the final part of this reading, which was the beginning of the battle, was incredible. It felt as though I was there watching the battle take place. I hope I can implement this type of writing into some of my retellings. I can't wait to finish up the entire epic and see what happens!

While reading, I came up with a few thoughts for my retelling for the week. They are as follows:

44. Arjuna and Indra

• I could write where Arjuna was lured by the giant women
• I could go into detail about Arjuna's battle

46. Bhima and Hanuman

• I could write where Hanuman is roadkill that Bhima finds and he takes it home to cook up

49. Jauadratha and Draupadi

• I could go into depth with this story of Jayadratha taking Draupadi

50. Riddles at the Lake

• Wow! I did not see that the Voice was Dharma coming at all!

51. The Court of King Virata

• I could go into depth about the Pandavas stay in Virata

52. Bhima and Kichaka

• I could write where Bhima and Draupadi kill people on a regular basis using Draupadi as bait

59. Bhagavad-Gita

• I like that this was written in rhyme but still had a dialogue feel...this made it very easy to understand

Bibliography

Public Domain Mahabharata, link to Reading Guide C

Painting of the Pandavas and Draupadi, Web source

Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part B

As we get deeper and deeper into the Mahabharata, the stories are getting more and more extravagant and complex. It is hard to keep up with everyone, but I am enjoying reading this great Indian epic.

In the first story for this weeks reading, we read about the house fire and that was an incredible story. There was so much detail that went into the story about how the house was set up for failure through flames from the very beginning. It is so sad to think that someone hated someone so much that not only are they willing to kill them, but their innocent family as well. I love that they were able to escape from the flames though all thanks to a secret tunnel. I am very excited to see how this gets resolved since everyone thinks that they are dead.

I also really liked that this story included a Swayamwara just like the Ramayana had. It makes it very clear that this is how women's husbands were chosen back in these ancient times in India, and around the world. It was very fascinating how no one expected anything from the Pandavas brothers since they were disguised as Brahmins, but they eventually proved them all wrong.

As I was reading through this part of the Mahabharata, I was using this reading to get some ideas for my retelling for this week. Here are a few of the things I came up with:

21. House of Fire

• I could rewrite the story to where Kunti and her sons did not escape and survive the fire
• I could write where instead of being trapped inside a burning house, they were trapped inside of a maze

25. Birth of Draupadi

• I could write about Kunti and her family's journey from one of her son's perspective, but I could make this boy a young boy around the age of 6 or 7

28. Wife of the Five Pandavas

• I could write how instead of sharing a wife, the brothers share a car

31. Arjuna and the Apsaras

• I could write how the water nymphs were trying to get a married man while her was at the club for his friends Bachelor party

32. Arjuana and Chitra

• I like how this story was told strictly with dialogue and this is something I could implement into my writings

38. Draupadi Lost

• I like how this story was written in rhyme and this is something I could possibly use in the future

Bibliography

Public Domain Mahabharata, link to Reading Guide B

Picture of a Burning House, Web Source

Reading Notes: Mahabharata, Part A

As we start reading the Mahabharata, I've decided to read the online PDE version of the Mahabharata. One reason I did this was that when we read the Ramayana, I chose to read Narayan's version. I really enjoyed this version, however I wanted to give the PDE version a chance to see different writing techniques then Narayan used. I also chose this version because it was free, this way I didn't have to go buy the book from either the bookstore, Barnes&Noble, Kindle, rent it from the library, etc. So for I've found that the Mahabharata is more difficult to read for me than the Ramayana was. The reason behind this is because there are so many characters in the Mahabharata, all with very similar names so it's hard to keep track of who is who.

While reading, I really enjoyed that the author decided to go into more detail about when Pandu accidentally killed the Brahmin and his wife. It made it very easy to understand what was happening and who died, unlike some of the other stories in this version of the Mahabharata. I also really like the way that the story of Amba was written. You could feel the pain that she felt when she was betrayed by her husband to be, the King of Shalwas. Another part of the story where I could feel the pain the character felt was in Drona's story when he was told that he wasn't actually friends with Drupada due to their financial standing. This was very sad and when the author said "Then abruptly he turned away, nor spake he in reply. His heart burned with indignation as he hastened out of the city." you can tell that he will make sure Drupada feels the way he made him feel.

As I was reading through part A, I came up with a few ideas I can use for my re-telling this week. They are as follows:

2. King Shantung and Ganga

• Could write where Ganga gave birth and kept the babies
• Could write where Ganga gave birth to stillborns

5. Bhishma at the Swayamwara

• I could write the battle in a modern way, perhaps using a video game rather than actual battle

6. Amba 

• I could write where Amba actually wanted to marry Vichitracirya rather than the King of Shalwas whom she had already promised herself to

8. Kunti and her Son

• I could write from Kunti's point-of-view of what it was like for her to give her child up for adoption

10. Son of Pandu

• I could write hoe Pandu dies in a freak accident rather than dying because he was cursed

13. Bhima and Nagas

• I could write how Duryoshana accidentally ate the poison that he meant to give to Bhima

14. Drona, Son of Bharadwaha

• I could write how the two friends started off hating each other but when the rich one became poor they became friends
• I could set it back to the Great Depression when everyone was struggling

16. Ekalavya

• I could write how he was already deformed and didn't need to cut off his thumb

17. The Contest

• I like how this part was written in rhyme, and I could integrate that into my story

Bibliography

Public Domain Mahabharata, link to Reading Guide A

Painting of Ekalavya cutting off his thumb, web source

Reading Notes: The Divine Archer, Part A

For this weeks reading, I decided to read The Divine Archer by F.J. Gould. I chose to read this because it seemed very interesting and I like that it is mainly based on Rama and how he uses archery to help him in all of his battles. As I was reading, I really liked the format of the book because it was very easy to read. This version seems much more like a fairy tale for children, where as Narayan's Ramayana read more like a novel. The fairy tale like writing makes it very playful, while also stressing the evils that Rama faces.

Something I really like about this version of the Ramayana is that the author focuses on Rama's brothers. I know that is Narayan's Ramayana he discussed Lakshman and Bhartha, but he didn't really go into that much detail about his third brother, or much detail about the other two in general other than the fact that they both trusted Rama and did what he said. When Rama meets Sita and gets married to her, the author explains that all three of Rama's brothers got married that day as well and I think that that is good information to have. I also enjoy how he told the story of Rama and Sita meeting and getting married. There was more detail to it than the fact that they saw each other through a window and Rama was able to string the bow to win Sita's hand in marriage.

As I was reading through The Divine Archer, I was thinking of ways I could retell the story. Here are a few options:

Chapter 1

• I could write about Visva-mitra's life and the journey that he went on with Rama and his brothers from his perspective

Chapter 2

• I could write how Sita at first didn't love Rama back, but she eventually fell in love with him
• I could write that Rama had failed to string the bow, but was able to still win Sita's hand in marriage

Chapter 3

• I could rewrite the story where Dasaratha doesn't give Kaikeyi what she wants
• I could rewrite the story to where Rama gets furious at his father's decision to not give him the crown

Chapter 4

• I could write where Kaikeyi was Rama's charioteer and abandoned him in the forest on coronation day rather than he asking Dasaratha to not crown Rama

Chapter 5

• I could write a story where Maricha disguised himself as a dog rather than a deer

Chapter 6

• I could write where Ravan was defeated by the vulture rather than Ravan defeating the vulture

Bibliography

The Divine Archer by F.J. Gould, online book

Symbol of an archer, web source

Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part D

As I finished up reading Narayan's Ramayana I was very excited to see how it all would end. Would Rama defeat Ravana? Would they both live? Would Rama and Sita be reunited with one another? It was very fun to read and figure out the answers to all of these questions.

When Ravana was meeting with his council to decide what to do regarding Rama, the detail that was put into all of the conversations that were taking place was very realistic. His council was telling him so many different things, the way I feel like cabinet meetings go for the President. I thought it was very interesting that many of his councilmen were telling Ravana that he was in the wrong for holding Sita captive for so long, however in the end Ravana did as he pleased. I also think that it was admirable of Vibishana to stick up for himself and continue to believe that what Ravana did was wrong and seek asylum with Rama.

As the epic got into the battle sequence, it was very fun to read with all of the details the author put into it. I really felt like I was there watching the battle occur! Once it got to the final battle between Rama and Ravana, it was very interesting. It almost reminded me of the scene in Hercules where Hercules is fighting the Hydra where its heads keep coming back.

Once Sita and Rama were finally reunited, it was very disappointing that Sita threw herself in the fire, however I love that it all worked out and that Sita and Rama were able to end up together and rule the kingdom with one another. When Rama's father, Dasartha, came back to visit Rama, it was very emotional and I'm glad that he was able to forgive Kaikeyi like how Rama wanted.

(Rama and Lakshmana fighting Ravana;

Web Source)

While reading, I found a few things that I may want to incorporate while doing some of my retellings. They are as follows:

IX. Ravana in Council

• I could rewrite the story to where Ravana is trying to win back the love of his life rather than take someone's love away from them
• I could rewrite to where Ravana is battling Rama for land rather than a woman
• I could rewrite the story to where Ravana is out Black Friday shopping and is trying to steal a great item from someone

X. Across the Ocean

• I could rewrite where Vibishana is like Snowden seeking asylum after giving out a countries secrets

XI. Siege of Lanka

• I could rewrite the story to where Kumbakarna is helping Rama rather than his own brother

XII. Rama and Ravana in Battle

• I could rewrite to where the chariot races are like a Mario Kart or Nascar race

XIII. Interlude

• I could rewrite the story to where Rama is so happy to see Sita and knows that she didn't do anything un-pure while being held captive, this way she doesn't have to throw herself into a fire

XIV. Coronation

• I could rewrite the story to where Bharatha doesn't want to give up the crown to Rama

Bibliography

Narayan's Ramayana, link to Reading Guide D

Rama and Lakshmana fighting Ravana, Web Source

Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part C

As I continue reading The Ramayana, it is getting more and more thrilling. I cannot wait to figure out if Sita and Rama will ever be reunited, and if Rama will ever get to rightfully take his place on the throne.

While reading Part C of The Ramayana, I was fascinated by all the detail the author used in his writing. The part where the author discussed the fight that Vali and Sugreeva got into was so interesting. I really like how you could practically see what was happening, just by the description that the author gave. It is almost as if you were there watching Vali gang up on Sugreeva, then seeing Vali get shot by Rama.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the detail the author put into the story once the rains ceased. When he started discussing how all the animals were finally making their way out of the brushes and back into normal life, it is as if you were standing in the forest seeing it for yourself.

As I was reading Part C of The Ramayana, I started thinking about some changes that I could make to the story when it comes time for a retelling. They are as follows:
VI. Vali

• I could rewrite the part of Sugreeva and Vali fighting to where they are in a boxing match with one another
• I could also rewrite the same part as if Vali were a bully beating up Sugreeva and Rama coming in and saving the day with one swift punch to Vali's face, knocking him out

VII. When the Rains Cease

• I could rewrite the part where Hanuman is searching for Sita with a "Dora the Explorer" feel to it, or something along those lines but perhaps a little older

Bibliography

Narayan's Ramayana, link to Reading Guide C

Painting of Vali, Web Source

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

Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part A

One of the major things that really struck me while reading part A of the Ramayana was the dedication that the King, Dasaratha, had to his kingdom. You can tell that he truly loves his kingdom and will do whatever is best for the people. This is why he was so happy when people were so overjoyed by the King's decision to appoint Rama to take over the throne.

I loved that you could feel the pain that both Rama and Sita felt when they saw each other for the first time. You could tell how they longed for each other after only one glance at one another. That is why when Rama was able to string the bow that once belonged to Shiva unlike any other of Sita's suitors, it was so rewarding to know that they could officially love each other and get married. I wish that I was able to read the unabridged version where they went into detail of the wedding scene with all of the beautiful details of how the pavilion, decorations, and other things at the wedding looked.

A few things that I picked up on while reading part A that I may want to use during my retelling are the following:
I. Rama's Initiation

• I could write a story where Dasaratha is sending Rama and Lakshmana off to college
• I could give the Ramayana a Hunger Games feel in regards to Rama killing Thataka
• The whole kill or be killed aspect
• Azalea's story could be told as if she were a child who was adopted by Brahma and her biological father is Indra

II. The Wedding

• I could rewrite Sita and Rama's story from each other's perspective and really go into detail 
• I could also rewrite Sita and Rama's story as if they met each other at a party
• Instead of a bow, it could be written as if Rama had to solve an equation or a riddle in order to win Sita's hand in marriage 

III. Two Promises Revived

• I could make the part with Kaikeyi about making Bharatha be King and forcing Rama into exile be like Snow White
• Kooni is like the mirror on the wall in this case

Bibliography

Narayan's Ramayana, link to Reading Guide A

Rama placing a flower crown on Sita's head, Web Source