Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part A

Public Domain Edition of the Ramayana, Part A

by Multiple Authors from Various Sources: R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Mackenzie, Nivedita, and Oman

Notetaking Strategy: Focus on One Character: Sita

• Sita was not introduced until Part A, Section 8. Her introductory scene was laying eyes on Rama and Lakshmana and having love at first sight with Rama.
•  Next scene is having a Sita "won" by Rama. 
• Personally, this was one part of the story that I was not aligned with. I understand that this story was taken place in a different place and time. However, I do not like the fact that Rama wins Sita's hand in marriage. (Rama does this through showing his physical strength in bending a bow.) 
• While I do think it is good that Rama works hard to lift the bow and that can show Sita that this man will work hard for her; however, I do not like the aspect of Rama earning Sita just because he worked hard.
• Another important scene with Sita was her and Rama's wedding day. 
• However, in my perspective, I felt like Sita was just a side character of the wedding story. While it was her big day and she should have been a main character alongside Rama, she did not have dialogue in the story nor were her opinions and thoughts spoken of. Personally, I wish that Sita's emotions were showed more. For example a question that arose in my head was, "Did Sita feel nervous or excited for the wedding?"
• Sita truly loves and cares for Rama.
• This is especially shown in Chapter 16 and 17.
• In Chapter 16: Rama is Banished, Sita invoked the gods to bless and protect Rama as Rama headed to speak with his father.
• In Chapter 17: Rama Goes into Exile, Sita was persistent and would not let Rama go and live in the woods for 14 years by himself. No matter the opposition of Rama, Sita said that she would rather live without material riches in the woods but with Rama, her love, than be without Rama in a kingdom.
• She knew a wife and husband shall stay together, which I LOVE.
• Sita grew up rich and with the finest clothes and had difficulty parting with it in exchange for something less silk-like. 

My favorite part of Ramayana, Part A was Chapter 17: Rama Goes into Exile as it shows the strength and bond of the marriage and love of Rama and Sita.

(Rama Goes into Exile by Photographer: Indi Samarajiva)

Bibliography: Public Domain Edition of the Ramayana, Part A; Multiple Authors from Various Sources: R. Dutt, Gould, Griffith, Mackenzie, Nivedita, and Oman