Week 2 Reading Diary B- Into the Forest

I am starting to get really into this book! The twists and turns in the plot are impossible to predict, which has me sucked in.

First in this portion of the reading, Rama begins his exile out into the forest with his wife a brother... which is apparently easier said than done! His people throw a fit when he tries to leave, and even attempt to leave with him! Ultimately, the trio has to sneak away in the night. Rama's father literally dies from heartbreak. I wish he could have seen that Rama had come to terms with the exile, so he should have too! However, it is simply too much for the old king to bare.

Bharatha eventually returns home to all of this mess. Most people, when told they were to become king, would be excited.... but not Bharatha. He condemns his mother for her evils motives and goes to beg Rama to come back. In these scenes Bharatha proves himself to be a good and just man who had no connections with his mother's schemes. Ultimately, Rama remains true to his original plan and convinces Bharatha to serve as king for the remainder of the fourteen years.

Rama, Sita, Lakshmana,

Author not listed, Source: Wikimedia

The focus of the story now shifts to the trio's life in the forest. Lakshmana proves himself to be useful, protective, wise, and loyal in these scenes. As a reader I grew to love his character! He is such a servant to his brother and his wife. As soon as you think things are going to be okay, evil strikes in the form of a seductive Soorpanaka.

Soorpanaka is the sister of the evil Ravana, and becomes infatuated with Rama. This is the second description of someone becoming sick with love over Rama, the first example being Sita. However, the difference between Soopanaka and Sita is that Soopanaka is an evil monster who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. There are several instances of her pathetic attempts to win Rama's affection, including an attempt to attack Sita. It's almost funny to me how obsessed these evil demons are with love... or maybe it's just lust! This monster has the power to control the physical elements, yet can't even clear her mind enough to get over a crush.

Her brother, Rava, experiences a similar love-sickness, except his is for Sita. Just the description of her beauty disrupts his whole life. He uses his old uncle as a part of his plan to capture her. I feel so sorry for the uncle, who is trying to turn away from evil and lead a life of good! He is forced to choose between helping his evil nephew, or being killed by him. It reminds me of a good kid who is caught up in a gang, sometimes they can't get out even if they wanted to. Unfortunately Ravana's attempts to capture Sita are more successful than his sister's. His one problem, however, which I predict will save Sita's life, is that he cannot touch a woman without her consent or else he will die. I can't wait to see how Rama will come and save the day. I have so much confidence in our protagonist!