Week 3: Reading Diary B

Memento from Rama

• Sita is alive and remains loyal to Rama
• I liked how Hanuman made a point to destroy as much of Ravana's kingdom as possible before returning to Rama.

Ravana in Council

• Ravana's youngest brother, Vibishana, is probably the wisest of his advisors. Unfortunately, Ravana sneers at his advice and banishes him for admiring Rama.
• Is Vibishana going to try to stop Rama or will he aid him out of adoration?

Across the Ocean

• Vibishana could prove to be a very helpful ally, although I'm still not convinced that he has abandoned his loyalty to Ravana.
• The fact that Vibishana is helping Rama devise a plan of attack on Ravana is convincing me that he truly wants to help Rama.

The Siege of Lanka

• How can R. K. Narayan simply tell us that Rama defeated Ravana?! We've been waiting the entire story for this encounter, and all we know is that Rama destroyed Ravana's crown and chariot.
• Why would Rama let Ravana live?!
• I love how all of Ravana's advisors continuously remind him of his cowardice in taking Sita from Rama without confronting him.

Rama and Ravana in Battle

• Since Rama did not finish his mission during the first encounter, a much more suspenseful conflict is bound to occur.
• Why won't Ravana die?!
• Worse yet, Rama spares him again.
• Finally! Rama should have just began with Brahmasthra.

Interlude

• Why is Rama not overjoyed at the sight of Sita?!
• Was Sita jumping into a fire really necessary to establish her loyalty to Rama?

The Coronation

• I can definitely understand why Rama would insist that Dasaratha take back his vow on Bharatha, but I don't understand how Rama could still look at Kaikeyi as a mother.
• They lived happily ever after!