THE RAMAYANAKrisha S. Asuncion

BSED-Eng1222

BACKGROUND INFO One of the great epics of India Said to have been written by the sage Valmiki Has 24,000 verses and is divided into seven books Some say it was written around 200 BC, or a period after the Vedic Age

Literally means: “ The Adventures of Rama” It explores human values and the concept of Dharma

SETTING Kosala, Ayodhya Chitrakut The Kingdom of Janaka (Mithila)

Ashoka van Lanka

CHARACTERS: Rama-reincarnation of Vishnu

-destined to defeat Ravana

-crown prince of Ayodhya Sita-Rama’s wife Dasaratha-king of Ayodhya Three Queens( Kaikeyi, Kausalya, Sumitra) Lakshman- the ever loyal brother of Rama Bharat- supposed to be king Mantara- Kaikeyi’s deceiving maid

Vashishtha- the priest who advised Dasaratha to offer a sacrifice to the gods in order to have sons.

Vishwamitra- a friend of Dasaratha who takes Rama and Lakshman to defeat the demon whose destroying the fire sacrifice. He also trained Rama and Lakshman in fighting and gave them weapons. He brought them to Janak, father of Sita and Rama lifts the bow there and marries Sita.

Sumantra-loyal counsellor of Dasaratha Ravana- a monster who ruled Lanka and abducted Sita Hanuman-leader of monkey tribe who helped Rama Shuurpankha- Ravana’s sister who likes Rama

THEMES Good vs. Evil Loyalty Honor True to his word Humility

ANALYSIS It is inevitable to hurt the people around you or yourself when you go for what is right

One has always has a purpose in life. Being naïve and being too kind are both deadly. The Indians have many gods, they accept polygamy (for men) The Indians see things as black and white