Part 2 of The Ramayana really moved along the plot and brought forward the major conflict of the whole epic: Rama's journey to save his wife Sita. It is interesting to read how this conflict develops as it is really due to the personal desires of Shurpanakha. If she did not have a desire for Rama, then there never would have been any need for retaliation from Ravana to kidnap Sita. However, I do have to remember that this is really the plot of Brahman as he wants a human to kill Ravana. This kind of plays with the idea of faith and just trusting god to lead the way even in times of distress and agony. Something that also makes me wonder is why Brahma gave Ravana all these powers and abilities even while he is the king of the demons. From my lay person's perspective it does not make sense, but I also feel that if I understood more of the Hindu perspective on god, this help would me see why Brahman would be so giving to an evil character. The plot by Ravana to kidnap Sita reminded me of the plot in sleeping beauty by the witch and the evil apple. The more I read The Ramayana, the more I start to see parallels with other stories. I have always felt most religious stories and myths have some common ideas and morals, and this is another example of that sentiment. I do admire Jatayu's courage to try to save Sita and his loyalty to Rama. It was saddening to see his perish, but his death was not in vain as it helped point Rama in the right direction to save Sita. Overall, Part B was instrumental in getting to the meat of the epic, and I look forward to seeing how Rama saves Sita.
Bibliography: Rama and the Monkeys by Geraldine Hodgson (1903).
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