Reading Notes: The Divine Archer Part A
I chose to re-experience the Ramayana through The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould. I really enjoyed the character development of Rama in this version of the Ramayana. It had both visual and literal descriptions. The visual descriptions described how he grew and grew until there were hills and woods and streams all about his body. The reader really understood Rama was larger than life, but this description also makes him feel calm and grounded as the writer used the wisdom of the earth to illustrate Rama's wisdom. I also liked how, when describing Rama's development, Gould said their learned archery but also something far more important, how to treat people correctly. Establishing this hierarchy tells the reader a lot about Rama's character and values.
Gould also used the opinions of others to develop Rama's character for the reader. His father is very reluctant to let him go, which speaks to his value.
The way Gould set up the scene for Rama and Sita meeting with vivid, beautiful imagery was a skillful way to set the mood for their love story.
Gould uses the goddess of Bhavani to give Sita a space to express her feelings for Rama. It would be interesting to make this character more significant in Sita's journey. Maybe this is the goddess that played a role in her being born in a furrow in a plowed field? Or maybe this is the god of childbirth who has known Sita from the beginning, like a guardian angel.
I also liked when the white hair on King Dasa-ratha's head spoke to him. I found it amusing. Talking hair could potentially become a prevalent character in my future storytelling.
I really like Saint Agastya! He seems like a gentle fellow. It would be cool to add a lorax-esque version of this character in my stories. Make him a speaker of the earth in addition to an advocate of kindness. (p.35) I would also not have him give weapons but be an advocate of peace.
Gould also used the opinions of others to develop Rama's character for the reader. His father is very reluctant to let him go, which speaks to his value.
The way Gould set up the scene for Rama and Sita meeting with vivid, beautiful imagery was a skillful way to set the mood for their love story.
Gould uses the goddess of Bhavani to give Sita a space to express her feelings for Rama. It would be interesting to make this character more significant in Sita's journey. Maybe this is the goddess that played a role in her being born in a furrow in a plowed field? Or maybe this is the god of childbirth who has known Sita from the beginning, like a guardian angel.
I also liked when the white hair on King Dasa-ratha's head spoke to him. I found it amusing. Talking hair could potentially become a prevalent character in my future storytelling.
I really like Saint Agastya! He seems like a gentle fellow. It would be cool to add a lorax-esque version of this character in my stories. Make him a speaker of the earth in addition to an advocate of kindness. (p.35) I would also not have him give weapons but be an advocate of peace.
Lorax by Geoffry Chandler on Flickr
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