Sita could not understand what she was hearing. Why would Rama question her loyalty to her husband? She had suffered for so long in Lanka, longing for every second to return to her husband who she adored so dearly. Now Rama acted as if she was spoiled goods. It did not make any sense to her. Yet, Rama was stubborn in his thoughts. He could not see past the possibility his wife may not be as pure as she was once before. Rama was adamant that Sita prove herself before him. For all he had done to rescue Sita, did she really betray him? Sita was still shaken by Rama's endearing attitude to her. Nevertheless, like it was before, her loyalty and devotion towards Rama never wavered. She immediately called for a fire to be built so she could prove her worth. This was the ultimate test as she prayed to the gods to protect her and reveal her true image and honesty before Rama. She was loyal and devoted wife and did her duties to her husband. While she never had the spotlight as Rama did, she too had feelings and thoughts that mattered. The fire was soon constructed by Lakshmana, and Sita prepared to enter the fire. As she finished her prayers, she stepped into the fire and braced herself. Yet as she stood, she remained completely normal. She could not feel the deadly flames around her and she walked across unscathed. Her prayers had been answered. Rama embraced his wife eagerly knowing that she was still pure and innocent. However, in his mind lingered regret over his lack of trust towards his wife. Why did Sita have to go through so much pain and grief to prove her worth towards me? Rama and Sita reconciled, agreeing to put the events in the past, and to move forward as one towards a prosperous future.
Author's Note: After watching Sita sings the Blues and reading the Ramayana, I really wanted to focus on Sita for one of my stories. I felt that Sita was often forgotten and we never really got to her thoughts. I made the story focus on Sita when had to prove her innocence to Rama, but in a more personal and modern take. I also wanted to change it where the reader could see Sita's POV when her integrity was attacked. I thought it was noteworthy how Rama was unwilling to believe her, so I wanted Sita to have an opportunity to explain herself and thoughts.
Source: Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914)
Wow! I really enjoyed reading this story as it was told from Sita's point of view!! It was super neat what you think was going on in her mind when her loyalty was tested by Rama and it did a lot to show a different perspective! I really liked this Neal! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Neal,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how you focused on Sita and elaborated on her perspective to the situation. I agree that Sita seemed to be a bit neglected in the character development from the Ramayana, but glad you are adding to it. I wonder how you would explain her feeling towards the people who started rumors about her loyalty when her and Rama returned to the kingdom? Do you think she would lash out at the people or just feel ashamed in silence? I think you could also add her thoughts on the battle that just unfolded and the army Rama brought to rescue her. I would imagine she would be overjoyed and even more adoring of Rama and then confused when he starts to question her. Maybe you could add some of those parts in a way to lengthen the story or make a prequel to this one. Overall, I think it is a good story from a perspective we did not see much of.
Hi Neal,
ReplyDeleteI love that you decided to include Sita's perspective in this story because I was really bummed out that in the original, she virtually has no voice!
Although I know it's not appropriate for their time period, I honestly think that her character should have told him what was what so it would be interesting to see a spiteful Sita in your story. Like, one that pouts and begrudges what she is accused of. You could even make it funny and make her into a twenty-first century girlfriend who knows her worth and refuses to tolerate his behavior!
Awesome job!