Problem
Which aspect(s) of this week's readings did you find themost confusing? In what way(s) is it fundamentally different from thereadings we have done thus far on the course?
Obviously, Rama conforms to Campbell's notion of "thehero" because he leaves his familiar realm and returns. However,some of the methods that Rama uses to attain his status as a hero are differentthan what we are used to. In what way is Rama different from modern western heroes?
With which of the four functions of myth (mystical, cosmological, sociological,pedagogical) is The Ramayana primarily concerned? Why?
What can we learn about the value of marriage and the relationship between manand woman from the relationship between Rama and Sita? Is it similar toor different from the value of marriage illustrated in Greek and Roman myth? Why does Rama put Sita through "the fireordeal"?
When Bharata begs Rama to come back to Adhoyta to be crowned king, Rama refuses. Why is this?
When Hanuman encounters Sita in Lanka, he offers to bring her home to Rama, but she refuses. What justification does she give?