Reading Diary B: Week 4

Dasaratha desires to make his son Rama the king of Ayodhya in his place. He converses with his council who are all in favor for this idea. He then questions his council as to why they would have Rama as their king and has a proud father moment. He tells Rama that he is to be made king the following day and to be careful because much can happen to a future king the night before his coronation. This is indeed the fact; Manthara convinces Kaikeyi to use her two wishes she earned and make her own son Bharata king and banish Rama to the forest for the next 14 years. Once again this version is much more detailed than the previous and really provides a clear story and description of the events at hand.

Rama fully accepts losing the throne and is the most obedient son ever. He never questions his fathers commands but only the reasons for Kaikeyi's decision. Rama meets with his father one last time before he leaves and request that he doesn't punish Kaikeyi for her choices. He then puts on his armor and over that bark clothes. The whole city is prepared to follow Rama into exile but he doesn't want to see his city die. According to Vasishtha they will grow tired of this life after 7 days and will return to Ayodhya. The elders summon the Tamasa river to block the chariots path in turn stopping Rama's travel for the day. He begs them to return but the people don't listen. He awakes while they still sleep and Sumantra devises a plan to fool the followers.

Guha seems to be an amusing character to say the least. I really enjoy his attitude and the descriptions given about his adornments. He also seems to be very well liked by Rama and they have an interesting history with one another.

Week 4 Reading Diary A: Buck's Version

I found this version to be very interesting compared to the original version that we read. Although much longer, I think Buck's version goes into a much greater depth which only helps the reader to better understand the stories. I think his version provides a stronger background for those of us who have no previous knowledge of the tales told.

Interesting Points

• In depth descriptions of Rama's physical characteristics 
• Various time periods: when the stories actual came to be and now the time that they were being told during.
• The background of Ravana
• The background of Rama in detail and his reincarnation as Vishnu 
• Descriptions of Lakshmana, almost another version of Rama 
• Overall much better physical descriptions of all characters involved in every scene