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Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section A


                                       (Rama in Desert: Image from Wikimedia Commons)


Bibliography: R.K. Narayan, Rama's Initiation page 7

     The author begins with a very descriptive background of all information that is needed to be known. This is very helpful to understanding the bases of the story, but not essential. The author includes a list of all of the characters and the most repeated words most people won’t know. This includes some of the cities and concepts; this is a great idea for the reader because most are unfamiliar with these words and beliefs. The author then jumps straight into the beginning of the story with a small introduction before the first story is introduced. The author makes a clear indication of when they are going to start a story that deviates from the main plot. In the first story it is not reveled why Vishvamitra insists on only taking Rama to battle the demons but it is clear that it is important. It is also unclear why Vishvamitra must go to battle and why he must take Rama and his brother. One other thing that is unclear is why Rama and his brother must stay together. Are they stronger together? The author is speaking from an outside viewpoint with much dialogue. When describing scenes like the desert they are very descriptive, it is easy to follow along to. The author uses animals and objects modern day humans know which makes it easy to envision in the head. There are many unanswered questions in the beginning that will be answered over the course of the whole book. This is a good strategy because it makes the beginning more compelling and keeps the reader engaged. I don’t fully understand the mantras, is it like a spell or a favor? Understanding this concept might help to write different endings or twists to stories. What does the author mean when Vishvamitra says the boys will take care off him? Does he need protecting and if so why could only Rama do it?       

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