This section begins with Hanuman mistaking Mandodari, Ravana’s
wife, for Sita. He later finds Sita being guarded by demons. She is depressed
and suicidal. However, Hanuman presents her with Rama’s ring. Hanuman is later
captured and brought to Ravana. He advises Ramana to surrender to Rama. Hanuman’s
tail is lit on fire by Ravana and Lanka is burnt completely. Ravana is outraged
and must be reminded that he is mortal to humans such as Rama. He is advised to
release Sita back to Rama. Ravana believes that he is not cursed and rejects
the advice. Vibhishana is forced to leave Ravana, and Rama takes him in as his
ancestor gave a pideon asylum from a falcon. Rama then receives how to attack
Lanka. Rama has the sea gods help him cross the water by building a bridge with
the help of a variety of animals. Ravana tries to trick Sita by showing her a
decapitated head that looks like Rama, but she does not believe him. Angada destroys
the tower and Rama orders the attack on Lanka. Rama faints and Sita must be
told that they have only passed out and not died. Rama injures Ravana and his
crown is broken. Later, Rama kills Kumbakarna. Indrajit is later killed and
Ravana becomes furious with Rama. Later, Rama does not have a good feeling
about fighting Rama but still views him as a lesser mortal. Ravana’s heads are
repeatedly chopped off and they keep re-growing. Ravana faints, and, although
he could finish the fight, Rama refuses to attack an opponent who is fainted.
Rama eventually defeats Ravana and orders him a big funeral. Rama makes Sita
jump in fire to prove her purity. The story ends with Rama returning from exile.
Like
always, I enjoy looking for themes and morals that are applicable to a wide
variety of life stories. I found a good one in this section of reading. This
comes when Rama refuses to take an opponent who is not at full strength. I viewed
this as refusing to take the easy way out and conquering tests when they are at
full strength in order to receive a greater reward at the end. This could craft
a story with different characters who choose to overcome an obstacle at full
strength rather than taking a lighter path, only to see that pay off in the
end.
No comments:
Post a Comment