Famous Last Words Week 2- Ready for the Long Weekend

I’m currently sitting in Will Rogers World Airport as I write this week’s Famous Last Words. I am headed to Georgia for the weekend to visit my boyfriend! One of the many reasons I love this class- I was able to get ahead on my assignments for the week so I can enjoy the long weekend! I look forward to meeting his friends there, and eating lots and lots of good food.

Map of United States with Georgia highlighted,

Author not listed, source:Wikipedia

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the reading this week. I was worried when I skimmed the first couple pages, full of unfamiliar names and places I can’t pronounce. However, once I got into the plot of the story, I couldn’t put the book down! I’m Rama and Sita’s biggest fan! I thought the book would be dense and boring, but it honestly feels like I’m reading for pleasure.

I thought my storytelling skills were pretty good until I started reading some of my classmate’s blogs. We have some really talented writers in the class, and I look forward to taking notes on their styles and techniques and implementing them in my own assignments. I have already implemented some of them, this week I made a more modern version of a story told in The Ramayana. I think it will make my writing more relate-able to the reader.

My other classes are starting to really get rolling. The first week and a half was mainly introductions and broad overviews. I think next week will be the first week that I really feel like I have a full schedule. I’m going to attempt to finish the reading assignment for this class that is due next week on my plane rides to and from Georgia. About to board my plane now! I look forward to seeing what writing challenges lie ahead next week!

Indian Epics Braintorm Storybook Topics

The first possible topic that caught my attention was, “Women Characters”. I found this topic on the topics page provided for this course. I would consider myself a huge feminist, and have always sought to break the molds of what’s expected of me throughout my life. I love to read books and watch movies that feature a strong, powerful, intellectual, compassionate heroine characters. This is what sparked my interest for writing a story that features those kinds of women.

Research so far: My favorite female character in the reading we’ve done so far is Sita. After doing some more research on her, and reading the Encyclopedia for Epics of Ancient India, I realize that she is believed to be the human embodiment of the goddess called Lakshmi. I think this could make an interesting story, talking about the journey of a goddess spirit into a human body. Did the embodiment occur at birth or in small pieces over the course of Sita’s life? The website also says Sita is believed to reign over agriculture, perhaps this could be worked into a story.

Karma could also be an interesting topic for a story. We are all familiar with Karma- the idea that what goes around comes around. In my opinion, the best stories about Karma involve an antagonist who appears to win in the end. The evil character will boast and rejoice in what they think is a victory, however, the consequences of their actions will reveal themselves much later. In these stories the protagonist is rewarded in the end in a way the reader may have never predicted.

Research so far: I wanted to learn more about the theory of Karma from a religious perspective, so I checked out the Wikipedia page that explains Karma in Hinduism. Different views explain how exactly divine beings control Karma. For example, the Nyaya School which is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy explains that Karma is proof that a God exists. Hinduism beliefs of reincarnation also support Karma. For example, if a poor person lives a good and honest life, they will be rewarded for their patience in the next.

It Shoots Further Than He Dreams by John F. Knott, March 1918

source: Wikipedia

Love stories and epic couples would also be fun to write about. I loved the imagery used to describe Sita and Rama, and the way the author leads the reader to believe they were truly made for each other. I think it is human nature to tell stories about love, because it is ultimately what we each want for ourselves and our family.

Research so far: When love is sacrificed for selfish motives, immeasurable hurt and pain is created. This is the case of Kaikeyi and Dasharath. I enjoyed reading the Wikipedia page about this couple, because it lists some of the genealogies of this couple that aren’t mentioned in the shortened prose version I’ve been reading. On the other hand, there are stories about couples who end up living happily ever after. Radha and Krishna, a Hindu god/goddess power couple are an example of this. Krishna is considered to be the supreme deity, which explains why he has been able to be a part of the most perfect loving relationship. This information was found from reading through the Wikipedia pages for this couple. It’s interesting to me how, across religions, respect and reverence is given to those who are masters at loving others.

The topic called animal characters also caught my attention, probably because I read a few old storybooks based on this topic last week. Personifying animals always makes for an interesting tale. That’s why so many of the books we read growing up feature a cuddly creature as the star or a slithering snake as the bad guy.

Research so far: As I mentioned, most of my research on this topic has come from reading past examples of student storybooks. Although I read a couple last week, I looked at a few new ones this week. One in particular called Animal Cruise takes the reader on a journey that includes various monkey passengers. I thought it was creative that the writer combined a modern-day type of cruise line with an animal story. 

Bibliography

DuChene, Lauren. "Animal Cruise." Animal Cruise. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.

Gibbs, Laura. "Sita." Sita. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.

"Kaikeyi." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.

"Karma in Hinduism." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.

"Karma." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.

Narayan, R. K. The Ramayana A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. London: Penguin Classics, 2006. Print.

"Radha." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.

"Shaktii." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2015.

Week 2 Storytellling- Caught in a Poisoned Pond

There once was a boy named Meach who lived in Brooklyn, Ney York. He was bad as a kid, but it was only because he didn’t know any better. His dad wasn’t allowed to spend time with him, and his mom was always gone working. He made friends with some older guys on his block. It was nice to feel like he fit in, and to know people cared about him. They were always up to no good. It started out with minor vandalism, spray painting their school and stealing traffic signs. Then they started to send Meach into stores to steal candy for them. He was so small and sweet-looking that store clerks usually just looked the other way in pitty. As they got older, they had an opportunity to join a gang. They praised Meach for getting invited; he’d be the youngest member they’d ever initiated. He’d be stupid not to join. Meach joined, but was starting to worry about his so-called friends. Their criminal acts were becoming more and more violent. Meach didn’t feel as bad when his actions didn’t hurt others, but now he was seeing shootings and muggings his gang members were a part of. Meach wanted out, and secluded himself for as long as he could to avoid the gang. The members took noticed and were worried Meach would start to rat them out. They wanted Meach to prove his commitment to the gang, and said he had to mug someone by the end of the week, or else. Meach knew what or else meant, he had heard the whispers calling him a rat. He had seen what they’d done to other so-called rats before. Ultimately, Meach did what he had to do.

“I am like a fish in a poisoned pond. Sooner or later I am bound to die, whether I stay in it or get out of it.” (The Ramayana A Shortened Prose Version of the Indian Epic by, R.K. Narayan)

He wished he didn’t have to, but he felt as though he didn’t have a choice. Even though Meach was still young, he felt old and tired. He had little hope for his own future, and barely had a will to survive. However, his will to survive was great enough to comply with the gang’s request. Meach secretly hoped that he would be arrested while he mugged that man. He even chose a strong and young man to attack in hopes that good could still somehow prevail, and the man would get away. The man he chose wasn’t going down without a fight. Even though Meach brought weapons, this man was stronger with just his two fists. Meach’s friends, watching nearby, eventually came in to help Meach.

Author’s Note

This story is a modern interpretation of a portion of our reading from R.K. Narayan’s The Ramayana A Shortened Prose Version of the Indian Epic. In the original story Ravana, who is a powerful and mighty being and the enemy of Rama, approaches his uncle Mareecha for help kidnapping Rama’s wife Stia. Ravana’s family and followers are known for their power and violence, but Mareecha has been trying to turn away from that lifestyle and pursue peace. Ultimately, Mareecha is forced to choose between his own death and assisting Ravana in the kidnapping of Sita.

I chose convert this story to a modern setting, because the group of demons described as Ravana’s “family” is very similar to a violent gang. Meach is based off the character Mareecha, and the members of the gang as a whole represent Ravana. In this story Meach was by no means a saint, but at least he was developing a desire to stay away from crime. Unfortunately Meach, like Mareecha, is too far in with the wrong crowd, and has to choose between assisting in evil schemes or death. The strong young man he attacks is representative of Rama. When reading for this class I wondered if Mareecha was secretly cheering for Rama even though he was helping Ravana, so I chose to include this element in my story. 

Rama and Laksmana Confront the Demons Marica and Subahu,

Original publication: 1597-1605, Author not listed, Source: Wikipedia

Bibliography

Narayan, R. K. The Ramayana A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic. London: Penguin Classics, 2006. Print.

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!

Reading Diary A Week 2, Following Rama's Journey to Adulthood

Of all of the options for reading provided by this course, I chose to read R.K. Narayan’s shortened modern version of The Ramayana. I found the book fairly easy to read except for some of the names of people and places. The first story highlights a king’s desire for children, and the process he goes through to be granted children. The king, Dasaratha, is blessed with children from each of his wives. The oldest son that is born is named Rama. The story describes how much richer the King is in the meaning of his life because of his children, and it becomes very evident that his favorite is Rama. That’s why it’s so hard for him to let Rama go on a journey with a sage named Viswamithra. However, begrudgingly, the king allows two of his son to travel with the sage. Viswamithra is a very interesting character because he was once a king, and has given up on all earthly riches in the pursuit of divine spiritual knowledge, so he gets frustrated when people bring up his former way of life. I feel like this is kind of how a former high school athlete feels when a friend brings up that state championship game. It’s over, it’s in the past, it’s not important to me anymore, and there’s no need to bring it up.

Rama and his brother Lakshmana both accompany the sage on this journey, and throughout the course of their travels the trio encounters a multitude of characters and places. My favorite portion of their journey is when Rama falls in love. The story of Rama and Sita meeting for the first time is, simply put, adorable. I thought it was interesting that the reader is informed that the two had also been together in a previous life, but could not remember that now. It gave the reader an understanding that the two of them have truly been made for one another. It is almost hilarious how lovesick and dramatic Sita is when she thinks she’ll never see Rama again. Nothing is right within her after just glancing at him one time! Ultimately, Rama shoots a ginormous bow and arrow from the god Shiva to win her hand in marriage. The story does a great job of explaining with vivid imagery all of the details of the wedding ceremony, however I longed for more of a description of Sita and Rama’s marriage. I still had a lot of questions about their actual relationship, but the plot moved away from Sita and focused more on Rama’s life for the remainder of this passage.

Characters of the Ramayana, including Rama and Sita, 

by Raja Ravi Varma, source: Wikipedia 

In the last portion of this passage, Dasaratha becomes very old and realizes it is time to pass his crown over to his beloved Rama. However, Kaikeyi, who is one of Dasaratha’s wives, has different plans. They actually aren’t her plans initially, but they are planted in her brain by a servant who wants to stir up trouble. Kaikeyi is reminded of a promise made to her by the king and wants her son, Bharatha, to instead take over. She insists not only that Bharatha be crowned, but also that Rama be exiled to the forest for 14 years. The king is so distraught, and in these moments you see again his love and favoritism towards Rama. It’s funny to me how obvious he is about having a favorite, but everyone in the kingdom appears to view Rama as the best as well.

The best part of this whole reading, in my opinion, is Rama’s humble response to the entire situation. He explains it as a blessing in three ways. Not only does his dad remain a man of his word, and his brother becomes a king, but he will also receive an opportunity for spiritual growth. I was amazed that he didn’t say a bad word about his father or his mother, even though he has been cheated out of what is rightfully his. This is the second instance of Rama’s dad viewing something as a tragedy, but Rama decides to make the most of it. His dad was so nervous to let him leave with the sage, but in the end Rama gained honor through multiple victories and found his wife. Similarly, I predict much good will come from Rama’s journey into the forest. I look forward to reading about this next portion of his life in the following reading assignment!