Week 2: Topics

The Life of Rama- I would like to dive into Rama’s life a little bit more and explore the idea of how Rama is living as a mortal. Not only on his life as a mortal but his mortal attributes such as emotions, for example, anger and love. Specifically exploring his relationships with Ravana and Sita respectively. Furthermore, looking at the future of Rama in the novels as he transitions from living in the forest to living in the city as king. I want to really explore the dynamic of Rama having to struggle knowing that he is a god living as a mortal sent to save the people.

The story of the creature Ravana- Ravana in the beginning is a greatly storied creature that has Greek mythology-like story. Throughout the beginning of the epic we have learned much about Ravana and his feelings towards Rama. The dynamics of his relationship with Rama can also be divulged from this side of the relationship as well. I want to also examine what the people think of Ravana in comparison to Rama.

The Epic from the eyes of Sita- Sita goes through a very interesting roller coaster of events in the between Rama and Ravana both chasing after her. I would consider looking at the relationship between Rama and Sitan while also exploring the motivation for Ravana to try and force a relationship with Sita as well. What was his real motivation for trying to get to Sita? Was it all just to spite Rama?

The view of the gods- With this final idea I would look into the entire story from the view of a god who is in the role of a bystander watching the story develop. This would be another approach to focus on the way Rama is interacting in the mortal form with other mortals. Do all the gods approve of Rama and his actions as a mortal? Or do the gods have any envy towards Rama for getting to experience the world as a mortal?

Regarding research formal of these ideas, I have done most of my research so far regarding the relationship between Rama and Ravana as that conflict has really grasped my interest. Through doing that research I have learned a lot about Sita as well. The one that would require the most new research would be the last one as I would need to narrow down specifically what I would want to focus on.