He trekked onward, gazing over his shoulder as his sandals gathered
dust around his toes. Angst filled
thoughts filled his head. On his way to
see Rama, Bharata had high hopes that Rama would return to Ayodhya. Bharata had all sorts of reasons why Rama should
return- the people loved him, everyone wanted him as king (except for Kaikeyi
of course), Bharata didn’t feel ready for the role…the list dragged on and
on. If those reasons weren’t enough, Bharata
thought that he would return for the sake of his wife, Sita- she isn’t one to
fair the wildnerness especially well and Bharata was sure it wouldn’t take Rama
long to see that. However, Bharata’s
hopes were quickly dashed as he sat down and spoke with Rama. Rama did not seem in distress and neither did
his wife. In fact, Rama showed no
ill-feelings toward Kaikeyi and respected her wishes with little emotion, not
even anger. Bharata could not believe it-
Rama had no intentions of returning to Ayodhya, at least for 14 years. Bharata was just as shocked to learn that
even the people of the woods adored Rama.
Bharata made one last attempt and informed Rama in a matter-of-fact
manner that he would rule for only 14 years (to the day) and would step down at
that point- Rama better be there to pick up where he left off. Bharata also made it clear that he would
leave a pair of sandals next to the throne so it would be clear that Bharata
was merely “filling in” for Rama. With
that being said, Bharata was on his way in no time- it was clear that Rama
would not go against Kaikeyi’s wishes and come back with him. Bharata walked back feeling defeated and
overwhelmed. It had been an unspoken
decision between Bharata and his brothers that Rama would assume the position
as king- none of the others were prepared for such a role. Rama was the smartest, strongest, and most
charismatic one of the bunch and people adored Rama upon just meeting him one
time. Bharata sadly reflected on the
shoes he was going to have to fill- he already felt uncomfortable and
inadequate in comparison to his brother.
Bharata knew the challenge was great and strategized on the best ways to
present the news to the kingdom. He
debated whether or not he should tell them the reasons behind why Rama was gone. Eventually, he decided against it since Rama
would not want the whole kingdom to come looking for him in the forests. Before long, Bharata arrived as his new
kingdom and took a long deep breathe before he assumed his new role.
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The births of Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Author's Note: I really wanted to write about this story because it's easy to think about how Rama and Sita may be feeling, but Bharata is going through major life changes as well that are easily overlooked. Bharata is brave for taking on such a huge role (even though he didn't have much of a choice), and he's admirable for that. The story didn't mention much about this aspect of the Ramayana tale, so I added a lot of details but didn't really change the plot line.
Bibliography: Buck, William (1976). Ramayana.
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I think you added a very necessary viewpoint to the portion of the story. Bharata is not given a choice on the matter and is truly forced into a position he doesn't want. This has to be a hard place for him to be put in and the inner turmoil would be gut wrenching. By discussing the struggles he faced I think you brought clarity to the story and showed that is wasn't only Rama who would be facing hardship because of Kaikeyi's decisions.
ReplyDeleteTaylor, you did a great job retelling this story. I personally did mine over Bharata's views as well but you did yours over a different point of view which is great because it's the same but different. I really liked the picture you chose as well it is a perfect picture of this specific story. I liked how you went into details and explained the emotions really nicely. Great job again!
ReplyDeleteTaylor, I have read a few stories this week concerning Bharata and I think yours was unique from the others. You included how Bharata felt on his way to Rama and on the way to the throne. Mainly I thought it was interesting hearing of all the reasons Bharata thought Rama could return- leaving him hope on his way to Raman that he could persuade him to come back with him. The end was strong with Bharata returning to the city to take the throne and what he was feeling, I imagine he must be so nervous! Good Job this week!
ReplyDeleteHey Taylor! I really enjoyed the story and you story-telling style. I really liked how you include Bharatha’s thoughts that were included in the book such as the list of reasons on why Rama should come back. I especially liked the reason of Rama’s wife. I had not thought of that one. She was used to living in a kingdom her whole life and had never had to live in a forest without her belongings.
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