Week 4: Reading Diary B

The day before Rama is made king, I think it’s a nice image to imagine Rama sitting there by his mom at the altar with the other queens.  She’s all dressed up and ready to go- so proud of her son.  I’m sure that must have been a sweet moment for the two of them.  As for the townspeople, it must have been such a wonderful time for them as well.  Not only was Rama such a great person to become king of them, but it was quite a celebration! I like how Rama, before he even became king, would grieve, hope, laugh, and celebrate alongside his people.  Also, it’s so fun that there was music playing, wonderful colors all over the town, and free food for all to share.  It’s also nice that all the sick people got to participate in the festivities as well!  I wonder if Rama’s dad was celebrated as highly whenever he was about to become king.  It is quite remarkable that Rama did not seem to be the least upset that he would be exiled for fourteen years- he was so obedient that he was almost emotion-less.  He was actually more concerned for his father who seemed very distraught. I’m also surprised the king lashed out (basically) on Kaikeyi’s command/wishes.  I don’t know how she doesn’t feel guilty.  It’s unfortunate she was convinced to do this.  Otherwise, I doubt she would have approached the king to use those wishes on her own.   It is so sweet and loyal for Sita to follow her husband into exile.  I don’t know if perhaps she simply doesn’t realize how hard it will be since she’s always been pampered, or if she is simply that loving.  Either way, it is a very nice gesture on her part and I also acknowledge Rama’s attitude in not wanting to put his wife through the danger by having her with him.  That was sweet of him to be prepared to be lonely as to not put his wife in danger.  It was also really neat to see that Sita treated those she left behind very well.  In fact, she ended up giving her servants full-salary until she would return.  Anyways, it’s neat to see (later on) that even people in the forest know and respect Rama (and Lakshmana).  It was very nice that Guha and his friends took in Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, and I like the fact that they take the time to engage Sita rather than merely talk to the men.