This has been a really fun class, with the storytelling assignments and especially with the readings. My favorite parts have been the readings; I'm so glad I picked the lively Narayan adaptations of the epics, and I've enjoyed the three free-choice readings. Sometimes I was pushing myself to do three sets of reading a week for the class, but it was worth it to read more books!
The effort I put into writing dropped off as the semester intensified, but I got in a few pretty good stories before that. "Updates from Exile," of course, I think is one of my best stories for the semester. I also enjoyed playing around with other folklore and literary motifs in my first story for the class and with anthropological theory in "A New God in Brindaban." Finally, I was surprised with my first Storybook entry, "Rama Navami," at how I felt Sita's voice took on a mind of its own as I was writing. This first story is definitely the strongest of those included in the Storybook.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Week 14 Reading Diary, cont.: The Missing Queen
reading: Part B of The Missing Queen by Samhita Arni (Zubaan, 2013)
After two long-ish books, it's weird that I'm already over halfway done with this one. It's going by so fast! I keep skimming ahead, though, because it's fast-paced enough that it's difficult to stop reading without knowing what's coming next.
It's starting to delve more into the stories behind the stories. Surpanakha shows up briefly and we hear her side of things -- different than what's in the Ramayana -- which seems to be a theme for this book, of introducing a secondary character and quickly giving their version of events. Surpanakha raises some interesting points about Ayodhya vs. Lanka, mainly regarding women's roles. She brings up the freedom and equality enjoyed by women in Lanka, whereas Ayodhyan women are viewed as needing protection, especially of their chastity.
And then the storyline is also delving into the political. It brings up more of the epic's backstories, like with Rama killing a large group in the forest because they "threaten" Ayodhyans who are there for rituals and other spiritual matters. There's some intriguing questions raised about how much the war just uses Sita and that whole situation as an excuse to expand the Ayodhyan empire and take out a rival. It would explain why Rama enters into a terrible war unquestioningly and then gives up his wife who he was fighting for -- it was never really about her, which in some ways just makes the story even more terrible.
After two long-ish books, it's weird that I'm already over halfway done with this one. It's going by so fast! I keep skimming ahead, though, because it's fast-paced enough that it's difficult to stop reading without knowing what's coming next.
It's starting to delve more into the stories behind the stories. Surpanakha shows up briefly and we hear her side of things -- different than what's in the Ramayana -- which seems to be a theme for this book, of introducing a secondary character and quickly giving their version of events. Surpanakha raises some interesting points about Ayodhya vs. Lanka, mainly regarding women's roles. She brings up the freedom and equality enjoyed by women in Lanka, whereas Ayodhyan women are viewed as needing protection, especially of their chastity.
And then the storyline is also delving into the political. It brings up more of the epic's backstories, like with Rama killing a large group in the forest because they "threaten" Ayodhyans who are there for rituals and other spiritual matters. There's some intriguing questions raised about how much the war just uses Sita and that whole situation as an excuse to expand the Ayodhyan empire and take out a rival. It would explain why Rama enters into a terrible war unquestioningly and then gives up his wife who he was fighting for -- it was never really about her, which in some ways just makes the story even more terrible.
still from Sita Sings the Blues (Martin Teller's Movie Reviews)
Week 14: Review & Backup
Since it's coming up on the end of the semester and I've finished my Storybook project, I figured it was probably a good time to back up everything. :)
My favorite announcement this week was the one on Wednesday with the Harry Potter music Indian Jam. I'd never seen some of these instruments before (and was surprised to see the hammered dulcimer!), and it was cool to be introduced to new ways of making music in a fusion with familiar tunes.
I'm used to seeing hammered dulcimers in this kind of context:
My favorite announcement this week was the one on Wednesday with the Harry Potter music Indian Jam. I'd never seen some of these instruments before (and was surprised to see the hammered dulcimer!), and it was cool to be introduced to new ways of making music in a fusion with familiar tunes.
I'm used to seeing hammered dulcimers in this kind of context:
musicians Ridley & Anne Enslow at an 18th-century reenactment
(Dan Little, 2012, Times Union)
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Week 14 Reading Diary: The Missing Queen
reading: Part A of The Missing Queen by Samhita Arni (Zubaan, 2013)
I've heard good things about this novel, so of course I was excited to begin reading. Also, my copy is a cute little ex-library book, and the feel of a regular book after all the de-dustjacketed monographs and textbooks I'm usually reading through is so nice. :)
The beginning starts out pretty cool. The first character to meet is Kaikeyi, which is already a tip-off that this Ramayana story is going to be from a different perspective than usual. I'm still getting used to the setting, on the one hand feeling a little antiquated (with speakeasies and old films) and on the other very modern, with TV, laptops, and political debates surrounding a switch to democracy.
There's also digs at the usual epic narrative. Some are direct, with characters questioning how much of the story is told when it's told by the victors, but others, like Valmiki's officially-endorsed journalistic biography of Ram, are a little more discreet.
I thought this would read more like a mystery novel, but by the end of this first part, I'm realizing there's likely to be more violence and darkness than I expected. There's a bit of a dystopian feel right now, with the main character imprisoned under obviously not normal procedures. I might have already skipped ahead and skimmed some later scenes...definitely not the route I was expecting the plot to take, but should be interesting.
I've heard good things about this novel, so of course I was excited to begin reading. Also, my copy is a cute little ex-library book, and the feel of a regular book after all the de-dustjacketed monographs and textbooks I'm usually reading through is so nice. :)
The beginning starts out pretty cool. The first character to meet is Kaikeyi, which is already a tip-off that this Ramayana story is going to be from a different perspective than usual. I'm still getting used to the setting, on the one hand feeling a little antiquated (with speakeasies and old films) and on the other very modern, with TV, laptops, and political debates surrounding a switch to democracy.
There's also digs at the usual epic narrative. Some are direct, with characters questioning how much of the story is told when it's told by the victors, but others, like Valmiki's officially-endorsed journalistic biography of Ram, are a little more discreet.
I thought this would read more like a mystery novel, but by the end of this first part, I'm realizing there's likely to be more violence and darkness than I expected. There's a bit of a dystopian feel right now, with the main character imprisoned under obviously not normal procedures. I might have already skipped ahead and skimmed some later scenes...definitely not the route I was expecting the plot to take, but should be interesting.
still from Sita Sings the Blues (Coffee Coffee and More Coffee)
Week 14 Reading Diary: Breaking the Bow
reading: Part H of Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Ramayana, ed. Anil Menon & Vandana Singh (2012)
The anthology ended on a high note -- the two last stories were excellent. "Vaidehi and Her Earth Mother" was interesting. It started out humorous, with an author whose main character has run off. Apparently she didn't like the "perfect Indian wife" roles she was assigned and completing to perfection. But then the story takes a psychological twist, ending darkly. It's unlike any of the other stories in the book, both playful and sinister. I'm wondering if the author's other work is like this, and just how much of the personal made it into the story.
"Falling into the Earth" was also pretty cool. It's another story where modern characters connect with the Ramayana as they live out their lives, but wonder if they can find different endings. This has probably been my favorite framing device after the futuristic sci-fi ones; there's so much room for authors to both build on the epic and alter it in major ways. This particular version has a sweet ending, coming out of an unhappy marriage beginning and mental illness/chemical dependence to a revision of Sita's exile after the war. It's good to end the anthology in a story where Sita finally gets a decent ending.
The anthology ended on a high note -- the two last stories were excellent. "Vaidehi and Her Earth Mother" was interesting. It started out humorous, with an author whose main character has run off. Apparently she didn't like the "perfect Indian wife" roles she was assigned and completing to perfection. But then the story takes a psychological twist, ending darkly. It's unlike any of the other stories in the book, both playful and sinister. I'm wondering if the author's other work is like this, and just how much of the personal made it into the story.
"Falling into the Earth" was also pretty cool. It's another story where modern characters connect with the Ramayana as they live out their lives, but wonder if they can find different endings. This has probably been my favorite framing device after the futuristic sci-fi ones; there's so much room for authors to both build on the epic and alter it in major ways. This particular version has a sweet ending, coming out of an unhappy marriage beginning and mental illness/chemical dependence to a revision of Sita's exile after the war. It's good to end the anthology in a story where Sita finally gets a decent ending.
Rama and Sita from Sita Sings the Blues (Dharma Records)
Monday, April 25, 2016
Week 13 Reading Diary, cont.: Breaking the Bow
reading: Part G of Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Ramayana, ed. Anil Menon & Vandana Singh (2012)
I didn't really get "Machanu Visits the Underworld." Perhaps it's just because I was unfamiliar with this part of the story, about Hanuman's son Machanu, but I just wasn't entirely sure what was going on. It did continue to play around with the overarching themes for this collection, though, things like multiple versions of the story and trying to rewrite it, but ultimately ending up in the same place again.
"Oblivion: A Journey," however, is another one of my favorites. I think the futuristic sci-fi setting is a key part of that; I came to this anthology expecting a lot of sci-fi, and I find that this genre seems to garner an amazing amount of creativity from authors looking at social issues and new versions of old stories. I always love a well-told, well-built sci-fi story!
Which Singh provides here. The protagonist is from a consciously Ramayana-inspired planet and sees themself as like a modern Ram chasing a Ravan -- but are their stories actually the same? The tale was a perfect blend of new material mixed with references to the old epic, with some moral questioning thrown in. All in all, it was excellently told.
I didn't really get "Machanu Visits the Underworld." Perhaps it's just because I was unfamiliar with this part of the story, about Hanuman's son Machanu, but I just wasn't entirely sure what was going on. It did continue to play around with the overarching themes for this collection, though, things like multiple versions of the story and trying to rewrite it, but ultimately ending up in the same place again.
"Oblivion: A Journey," however, is another one of my favorites. I think the futuristic sci-fi setting is a key part of that; I came to this anthology expecting a lot of sci-fi, and I find that this genre seems to garner an amazing amount of creativity from authors looking at social issues and new versions of old stories. I always love a well-told, well-built sci-fi story!
Which Singh provides here. The protagonist is from a consciously Ramayana-inspired planet and sees themself as like a modern Ram chasing a Ravan -- but are their stories actually the same? The tale was a perfect blend of new material mixed with references to the old epic, with some moral questioning thrown in. All in all, it was excellently told.
still of Ravana from Sita Sings the Blues (Nina Paley)
Saturday, April 23, 2016
Tech Tip: Pinterest Search
For this tech tip, I tried searching Pinterest for Scherenschnitte, or German/German-American papercuts. I've been interested in this craft for several years due to participating in 18th-century living history programs in North Carolina (my home region was heavily settled by Germans coming in from Pennsylvania) and have been trying to find early examples of it. Pinterest has actually been one of my best sources for finding and keeping track of Scherenschnitte -- Google searches don't work very well.
Just searching for Scherenschnitte pulls up a lot of pins for modern works, so I added "18th century" as well and found some cool new things:
Just searching for Scherenschnitte pulls up a lot of pins for modern works, so I added "18th century" as well and found some cool new things:
watercolor, ink, and cut paper lovebird token
Wm. Johnson, probably PA, early 19th cent.
(orig. source: Sotheby's)
valentine, "Ever of thee, I'm fondly dreaming"
Salina Brown, VA, early 1870s
(orig. source: An Acquired Taste)
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Week 13 Reading Diary, cont.: Breaking the Bow
reading: Part F of Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Ramayana, ed. Anil Menon & Vandana Singh (2012)
"The Princess and the Forest" was cool because it concerns a modern (more or less) woman drawing on the stories of the epic in her own life. It's powerful in much the same way that Sita Sings the Blues is powerful, by showing the bonds that people often create between literature and their lives, especially in times of turmoil.
"Sarama" was interesting because, once again, the point of view shifts from the usual Ramayana characters to those on the "bad" side. It's a good reminder that there's always at least two sides to every story, and that nice people get caught up in terrible events.
The last story in this section, "Regressions," was my favorite, possibly out of the entire book so far. The world that emerges in the background of the plot is drawn tightly and concisely, not to mention it's a futuristic all-women's utopia (named for Amba from the Mahabharata?) waging a time-traveling battle against their fundamentalist peers. Ties in a lot with the issues I've been reading about for my history capstone class, actually. Anyway, the ideas of revisionist stories and hundreds of Ramayanas both come through in this tale, and I wish it was a full novel rather than a mere 20 pages.
"The Princess and the Forest" was cool because it concerns a modern (more or less) woman drawing on the stories of the epic in her own life. It's powerful in much the same way that Sita Sings the Blues is powerful, by showing the bonds that people often create between literature and their lives, especially in times of turmoil.
still from Sita Sings the Blues
"Sarama" was interesting because, once again, the point of view shifts from the usual Ramayana characters to those on the "bad" side. It's a good reminder that there's always at least two sides to every story, and that nice people get caught up in terrible events.
The last story in this section, "Regressions," was my favorite, possibly out of the entire book so far. The world that emerges in the background of the plot is drawn tightly and concisely, not to mention it's a futuristic all-women's utopia (named for Amba from the Mahabharata?) waging a time-traveling battle against their fundamentalist peers. Ties in a lot with the issues I've been reading about for my history capstone class, actually. Anyway, the ideas of revisionist stories and hundreds of Ramayanas both come through in this tale, and I wish it was a full novel rather than a mere 20 pages.
Week 13 Reading Diary: Breaking the Bow
reading: Part E of Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Ramayana, ed. Anil Menon & Vandana Singh (2012)
"This, Other World" reminded me first of the poem "Jabberwocky." There's a lot of words thrown in to enhance the sci-fi feel that don't actually have meaning in our world, but you can figure out their general function through context. It was interesting to try to unpack all the worldbuilding Tidhar does over the course of the brief story. Sita's decision at the end and Brahma's contact with the characters were neat twists on the epic.
Perhaps because I was reading "Fragments from the Book of Beauty" late at night with some goofy friends, I thought this one was unintentionally hilarious. One friend read the first section aloud to all of us and we couldn't stop laughing. The vocabulary is just over the top, and the descriptions of the world in this tale are ridiculous. There's also more Jabberwocky words invented and thrown in. Annnd then it takes a weird turn when Mandodari is entreating Sita to give in to Ravana.
"Kalyug Amended" was cool as an updated version of Sita and her sons' story. Sita's a divorced mother, and the custody battle for her twins ends up in her favor, because in now women have more power than in the world of the epic. The last two stories in this section I don't have much to say about, other than that "Petrichor" was interesting for the backstory on Sita's origins.
"This, Other World" reminded me first of the poem "Jabberwocky." There's a lot of words thrown in to enhance the sci-fi feel that don't actually have meaning in our world, but you can figure out their general function through context. It was interesting to try to unpack all the worldbuilding Tidhar does over the course of the brief story. Sita's decision at the end and Brahma's contact with the characters were neat twists on the epic.
Perhaps because I was reading "Fragments from the Book of Beauty" late at night with some goofy friends, I thought this one was unintentionally hilarious. One friend read the first section aloud to all of us and we couldn't stop laughing. The vocabulary is just over the top, and the descriptions of the world in this tale are ridiculous. There's also more Jabberwocky words invented and thrown in. Annnd then it takes a weird turn when Mandodari is entreating Sita to give in to Ravana.
"Kalyug Amended" was cool as an updated version of Sita and her sons' story. Sita's a divorced mother, and the custody battle for her twins ends up in her favor, because in now women have more power than in the world of the epic. The last two stories in this section I don't have much to say about, other than that "Petrichor" was interesting for the backstory on Sita's origins.
Hanuman finds Sita
Friday, April 15, 2016
Week 12 Reading Diary, cont.: Breaking the Bow
reading: Part D of Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Ramayana, ed. Anil Menon & Vandana Singh (2012)
"Great Disobedience": The note about the author mentioned that they've viewed the Ramayana as racial propaganda before, and this story very much tied in with some others in the anthology where the asuras and others groups are really the oppressed people, not the evil ones. Which made this tale heartbreaking, because Rama and Lakshmana as young men get stuck in a situation where their presence is used to justify horrendous crimes, and they'll go down in history as heroes for it. It's a side of the Ramayana that either I don't remember, or it just didn't make it into Narayan's version (and is a reminder of how complex the epic is, with its side stories and everything, and how many readings it inspires). Great story, but also very depressing.
"Test of Fire" was pretty cool, despite its shortness. It's another version of Sita-from-another-people, having an ulterior motive in marrying Rama, but it plays to an alien race rather than the asuras. I also appreciated the otherworldly distaste for Rama's actions and how they view his treatment of Sita as pandering to his own self-interests (trying to maintain the favor of everyone) rather than doing what's right.
"The Other Woman" was, at times, one of the most fun stories I've read so far. I like the author's sense of humor, and I think I'll be checking out another speculative fiction by her. The setup and ending were a bit weird, but the lighter tone was nice after how deep and dark some of these stories have gone.
"Great Disobedience": The note about the author mentioned that they've viewed the Ramayana as racial propaganda before, and this story very much tied in with some others in the anthology where the asuras and others groups are really the oppressed people, not the evil ones. Which made this tale heartbreaking, because Rama and Lakshmana as young men get stuck in a situation where their presence is used to justify horrendous crimes, and they'll go down in history as heroes for it. It's a side of the Ramayana that either I don't remember, or it just didn't make it into Narayan's version (and is a reminder of how complex the epic is, with its side stories and everything, and how many readings it inspires). Great story, but also very depressing.
It's a quite different version of Rama killing Tataka than the one seen here.
Raja Ravi Press, c.1910s
"Test of Fire" was pretty cool, despite its shortness. It's another version of Sita-from-another-people, having an ulterior motive in marrying Rama, but it plays to an alien race rather than the asuras. I also appreciated the otherworldly distaste for Rama's actions and how they view his treatment of Sita as pandering to his own self-interests (trying to maintain the favor of everyone) rather than doing what's right.
"The Other Woman" was, at times, one of the most fun stories I've read so far. I like the author's sense of humor, and I think I'll be checking out another speculative fiction by her. The setup and ending were a bit weird, but the lighter tone was nice after how deep and dark some of these stories have gone.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Week 12 Reading Diary, cont.: Breaking the Bow
reading: Part C of Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Ramayana, ed. Anil Menon & Vandana Singh (2012)
If I thought the stories about Shurpanakha were creative...wow. The ones for Sita are amazing. I actually wish they were all longer; it seemed like as soon as I grasped the central concept at play in each version, the story was over.
Each Sita character, each story in Part C really took on its own form. There's a lot of playing around with the idea of many Ramayanas, many versions of the tale and of its figures. That's the main thing I took away from "Game of Asylum Seekers," that it's like each iteration of the epic is a new version of an impersonal game Sita is trying to survive/win. Then in "Sita's Descent," Sita tries to rewrite her story...and realizes that such actions as she wants to take are not within her character after all.
"Day of the Deer" was a bit different. It goes along the same route as many of the Ramayana stories I read by other students in this class, with Ravana and Sita having some kind of other relationship backstory beyond the kidnapping episode. In this case, it was that Sita was supposed to bring the destruction of Rama and his kind, who have oppressed the earth's people, her people, for generations.
"Weak Heart" was interesting, mostly for the perspective on Rama's internal thoughts and motivations. It reminded me a lot of Draupadi's last thoughts of her eldest husband in The Palace of Illusions, that in his devotion to spirituality and correct living he will gain entrance to the realm of the gods, but in the meantime he'll have to leave behind all the people he loves. Rama is much the same in this portrayal of him. To become God, he must completely reject human feelings. I think most of us would question if such sacrifices are truly worth it, if gaining a measure of immortality is actually better than retaining one's humanity.
If I thought the stories about Shurpanakha were creative...wow. The ones for Sita are amazing. I actually wish they were all longer; it seemed like as soon as I grasped the central concept at play in each version, the story was over.
Each Sita character, each story in Part C really took on its own form. There's a lot of playing around with the idea of many Ramayanas, many versions of the tale and of its figures. That's the main thing I took away from "Game of Asylum Seekers," that it's like each iteration of the epic is a new version of an impersonal game Sita is trying to survive/win. Then in "Sita's Descent," Sita tries to rewrite her story...and realizes that such actions as she wants to take are not within her character after all.
the god of fire and Sita
Evelyn Paul, 1911 (Wikimedia Commons)
"Day of the Deer" was a bit different. It goes along the same route as many of the Ramayana stories I read by other students in this class, with Ravana and Sita having some kind of other relationship backstory beyond the kidnapping episode. In this case, it was that Sita was supposed to bring the destruction of Rama and his kind, who have oppressed the earth's people, her people, for generations.
"Weak Heart" was interesting, mostly for the perspective on Rama's internal thoughts and motivations. It reminded me a lot of Draupadi's last thoughts of her eldest husband in The Palace of Illusions, that in his devotion to spirituality and correct living he will gain entrance to the realm of the gods, but in the meantime he'll have to leave behind all the people he loves. Rama is much the same in this portrayal of him. To become God, he must completely reject human feelings. I think most of us would question if such sacrifices are truly worth it, if gaining a measure of immortality is actually better than retaining one's humanity.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Week 12 Reading Diary: Breaking the Bow
reading: Part B of Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Ramayana, ed. Anil Menon & Vandana Singh (2012)
"Making": It took me a while to catch on to the characters in this story. The most interesting part was the Sita character's thoughts during exile. She explains the oft-questioned insistence that Rama himself rescue her; she wants her husband to come by himself, not to arrive with an army, and she regrets the destruction of the people she's been with in captivity. It's a more nuanced version of her time at Ravana's palace than is given in the original epic.
"The Good King" was also interesting. The repeated reminders about Ravana's heads were humorous, and also aided my visualization of him (I'd always forget about his unique characteristic while reading the epic). The sci-fi elements I found difficult to parse out -- lots of jargon, especially for such a short story -- but the idea that, even in a multiverse where they live out an incredible number of lives, the story still ends the same was fascinating. And then Ravana even ties this in with multiple versions of the Ramayana, where in this case he's finally creating his own!
There's a couple great quotes from this story: "Even when they were children her brother had refused to give her any importance. However, if matters ever came down to her status as his sister he would be out there protecting her like a piece of property before she could object." Sums up the patriarchy.
"When a bunch of monkeys tried to cross the straits from India, his neuroscientists caged them in the lab and ran a series of experiments on the origins of economic theory." I should add, the combination of mythic and science, religious devotion and physics is also pretty great in this story.
I don't have much to say about "The Mango Grove," other than that I love a good love story and couldn't wait for the characters to end up together again.
"Making": It took me a while to catch on to the characters in this story. The most interesting part was the Sita character's thoughts during exile. She explains the oft-questioned insistence that Rama himself rescue her; she wants her husband to come by himself, not to arrive with an army, and she regrets the destruction of the people she's been with in captivity. It's a more nuanced version of her time at Ravana's palace than is given in the original epic.
"The Good King" was also interesting. The repeated reminders about Ravana's heads were humorous, and also aided my visualization of him (I'd always forget about his unique characteristic while reading the epic). The sci-fi elements I found difficult to parse out -- lots of jargon, especially for such a short story -- but the idea that, even in a multiverse where they live out an incredible number of lives, the story still ends the same was fascinating. And then Ravana even ties this in with multiple versions of the Ramayana, where in this case he's finally creating his own!
Ravananugraha statue with Ravana, Shiva, and Parvati
There's a couple great quotes from this story: "Even when they were children her brother had refused to give her any importance. However, if matters ever came down to her status as his sister he would be out there protecting her like a piece of property before she could object." Sums up the patriarchy.
"When a bunch of monkeys tried to cross the straits from India, his neuroscientists caged them in the lab and ran a series of experiments on the origins of economic theory." I should add, the combination of mythic and science, religious devotion and physics is also pretty great in this story.
I don't have much to say about "The Mango Grove," other than that I love a good love story and couldn't wait for the characters to end up together again.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Tech Tip: Google Timer
The timer is so cool! Mostly, I'm impressed that it's like a Google short-cut to search for "set timer" and have it pop up! I don't think this will be particularly useful to me when managing my time online -- I usually give myself "five minutes" to take a quick break and get back to work, and it never works out even though I'll consistently check my time -- but probably for cooking and such it's easier. Maybe it will help me be better at actually doing homework while things cook, instead of me getting up to check every five minutes...
Week 11: Famous Last Words
It’s the home stretch! I have figured out my basic
weekly assignment list for the rest of the semester: two more Storybook things
(both of which are revisions), three reading posts a week, and about five
points, on average, in other assignments a week. Shouldn’t be too hard to keep
up with, right?
This week was a busy one for reading. I ended up
finishing The Palace of Illusions,
reading an Amar Chitra Katha comic, and starting Breaking the Bow. I really enjoyed the final chapter of Divakaruni’s
novel and the philosophical way in which it wrapped up after hints being given
to Draupadi about that all along. The comic, Stories of Creation from the Brahma Purana, was fun. I hadn’t tried
any of the comics or graphic novels at Bizzell, so I’m glad I took the
opportunity to see what one was like. And of course, I’m enjoying Breaking the Bow right now. I’m
interested to see what else the anthology has in store, with such a diverse
array of authors, genres, and takes on the epic.
I had a couple interesting Epics-related
interactions this week as well. Checking out the comic from Bizzell, one of the
workers gushed about how much she loves the comic series, having grown up
reading these. The lady who checked out the book to me was just amazed at it
being volume 834. J
Earlier in the week, I unsuccessfully tried to avoid
yet another campus proselytizer on the South Oval. But this one turned out to
be super friendly (and seemed genuine about it) and was discussing the Bhagavad Gita, not Christianity. Turned
out she’s from ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), which
made me realize that while many of us read these epics for entertainment,
others can view them as texts relating stories of spiritual significance. I
hadn’t really connected the Krishna of the Ramayana
with a god who people still worship, so this was an interesting perspective to encounter.
life-size statue of ISKCON founder Swami Prabhupada
from ISKCON Temple Chennai
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Week 11 Reading Diary, cont.: Breaking the Bow
reading: Part A of Breaking the Bow: Speculative Fiction Inspired by the Ramayana, ed. Anil Menon & Vandana Singh (2012)
I've been so excited to get to read this! I first ran across the anthology probably a little before it came out, when I was looking for speculative fiction (particularly sci-fi) by non-English and/or non-Western authors. It's out there, even in translation, it's just not always that easy to find! So, loving both sci-fi and new takes on old stories, I had long been looking forward to finding a copy of this book and reading it.
The introductions made it clear that this epic has so. many. different versions, and this anthology is just adding to them. I knew, of course, that individual storytellers are each going to have their own way of telling the story, but I hadn't realized how much leeway there is and just how much adaptation has been done over the years. It's something I would definitely love to learn more about! It kind of reminds me of Arthurian legend, how the same basic things get retold, but in different ways and different languages, over a long period of time, essentially creating its own genre...
The first story didn't impress me too much. It seemed like an extended version of something someone might do in this class, which is cool within the course framework, but not particularly revolutionary or notable within this anthology. Mostly I was just disturbed by the vitriol of some of the "comments."
The second story, "Exile," was amazing. I was reading it while sitting in a crowded, loud room, and I realized partway through that I was so absorbed I'd completely blocked out all the people around me. It's set in a futuristic world -- again, I always love the sci-fi -- and is able to do a lot of world-building, and do it clearly, within not very many pages. It didn't do much for me in terms of having me come away with a social message or anything, but the future subculture it built around the epic was pretty awesome.
I've been so excited to get to read this! I first ran across the anthology probably a little before it came out, when I was looking for speculative fiction (particularly sci-fi) by non-English and/or non-Western authors. It's out there, even in translation, it's just not always that easy to find! So, loving both sci-fi and new takes on old stories, I had long been looking forward to finding a copy of this book and reading it.
The introductions made it clear that this epic has so. many. different versions, and this anthology is just adding to them. I knew, of course, that individual storytellers are each going to have their own way of telling the story, but I hadn't realized how much leeway there is and just how much adaptation has been done over the years. It's something I would definitely love to learn more about! It kind of reminds me of Arthurian legend, how the same basic things get retold, but in different ways and different languages, over a long period of time, essentially creating its own genre...
The first story didn't impress me too much. It seemed like an extended version of something someone might do in this class, which is cool within the course framework, but not particularly revolutionary or notable within this anthology. Mostly I was just disturbed by the vitriol of some of the "comments."
The second story, "Exile," was amazing. I was reading it while sitting in a crowded, loud room, and I realized partway through that I was so absorbed I'd completely blocked out all the people around me. It's set in a futuristic world -- again, I always love the sci-fi -- and is able to do a lot of world-building, and do it clearly, within not very many pages. It didn't do much for me in terms of having me come away with a social message or anything, but the future subculture it built around the epic was pretty awesome.
I realized after the fact that the first three stories (how far I've read so far) relate loosely to Surpanaka being humiliated, as here where Lakshmana has cut off her nose.
Raja Ravi Press, 1920s
source: Wikimedia Commons
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Week 11 Reading Diary, cont.: Palace of Illusions
reading: Part H of The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (2008)
It is done. I was surprised that there were still several chapters left after the big battle, but then, the original epic does cover long-reaching consequences of the conflict. The novel most of these events in only slightly more detail than the succinct summary given by Narayan. They rebuild after the war, there's a prophecy about Pariksit, Krishna and all his family dies, the Pandavas die. Another couple decades of Draupadi's life summed up in little space.
This section of the novel was more rewarding than the last because the characters begin to heal. Draupadi, Kunti, and Gandhari finally come together, to help the widows who are left in desperate situations. They've come to regret many of their past actions, but the effects of these will inevitably come back to haunt them. Draupadi's voice matures at this point, as she finally begins to let go of the selfish concerns that have driven her before to look more at her relationships with those around her.
The last chapter was most interesting to me. The Pandava brothers and wife are on their last journey, one that is both physical and spiritual. Draupadi is the first to fall, and as she dies, she converses with Krishna one last time. With Krishna coming back and discussing metaphysics with her, I wonder (not knowing much about actual Hindu faith in practice) how much of this section is just literary content and how much begins taking on a spiritual/religious message. All of the strains of thought are finally coming together in this scene, with Draupadi coming to terms with the role of the individual in the world.
It is done. I was surprised that there were still several chapters left after the big battle, but then, the original epic does cover long-reaching consequences of the conflict. The novel most of these events in only slightly more detail than the succinct summary given by Narayan. They rebuild after the war, there's a prophecy about Pariksit, Krishna and all his family dies, the Pandavas die. Another couple decades of Draupadi's life summed up in little space.
This section of the novel was more rewarding than the last because the characters begin to heal. Draupadi, Kunti, and Gandhari finally come together, to help the widows who are left in desperate situations. They've come to regret many of their past actions, but the effects of these will inevitably come back to haunt them. Draupadi's voice matures at this point, as she finally begins to let go of the selfish concerns that have driven her before to look more at her relationships with those around her.
The last chapter was most interesting to me. The Pandava brothers and wife are on their last journey, one that is both physical and spiritual. Draupadi is the first to fall, and as she dies, she converses with Krishna one last time. With Krishna coming back and discussing metaphysics with her, I wonder (not knowing much about actual Hindu faith in practice) how much of this section is just literary content and how much begins taking on a spiritual/religious message. All of the strains of thought are finally coming together in this scene, with Draupadi coming to terms with the role of the individual in the world.
death of Draupadi
from Bahadur's illustrations of the Mahabharata, 19th cent.
source: Wikimedia Commons
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Week 11 Reading Diary: Palace of Illusions
reading: Part G of The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (2008)
Well, this reading was heartbreaking. Turns out I had pretty much completely forgotten everything that happens after the battle. I roughly remembered that all five Pandava brothers survive, but their children and most of the other key figures do not (besides Krishna). I'd forgotten the part where everyone should be safe, but someone on the Kaurava side goes mad, breaks into the Pandava camp, and brutally kills Dhri, the five Pandava sons, and some other important people who are, again, slipping my mind right now.
This section really emphasizes the senselessness and monstrosity of war. The two sides start out with rules for war, but about halfway these get tossed out the window. Atrocity is countered with atrocity in a cycle that will only continue past the conclusion of the battle. At the end, the head honchos finally wake up to the fact that their drama-turned-battle doesn't just affect them; they're all heartbroken -- and so is everyone else around them. The conflict over succession has devastated the lands they would be ruling, which seems pretty counterintuitive to me.
So...if I thought Rama's treatment of Sita in the Ramayana was sad, the Mahabharata is even more depressing by the time the epic concludes. And I'm not even to the end just yet. But kudos to the epic for not just senselessly glorifying its heroes, but for showing the pathos that goes along with their actions and repercussions as well.
Well, this reading was heartbreaking. Turns out I had pretty much completely forgotten everything that happens after the battle. I roughly remembered that all five Pandava brothers survive, but their children and most of the other key figures do not (besides Krishna). I'd forgotten the part where everyone should be safe, but someone on the Kaurava side goes mad, breaks into the Pandava camp, and brutally kills Dhri, the five Pandava sons, and some other important people who are, again, slipping my mind right now.
This section really emphasizes the senselessness and monstrosity of war. The two sides start out with rules for war, but about halfway these get tossed out the window. Atrocity is countered with atrocity in a cycle that will only continue past the conclusion of the battle. At the end, the head honchos finally wake up to the fact that their drama-turned-battle doesn't just affect them; they're all heartbroken -- and so is everyone else around them. The conflict over succession has devastated the lands they would be ruling, which seems pretty counterintuitive to me.
So...if I thought Rama's treatment of Sita in the Ramayana was sad, the Mahabharata is even more depressing by the time the epic concludes. And I'm not even to the end just yet. But kudos to the epic for not just senselessly glorifying its heroes, but for showing the pathos that goes along with their actions and repercussions as well.
Just look at all the little people who are going to die because the couple of big ones can't get along.
image: Arjuna confronts Karna; painting c.1820 (Wikimedia Commons)
Friday, April 1, 2016
Week 10: Famous Last Words
Hopefully this is my hump week of the semester. (Is that a thing? I think in college life "hump week" is a useful concept. Also maybe "hump month." Sometimes things just really don't lighten up for several weeks. Or all semester.) Post-spring break, I'm finding it difficult to stay focus and work on class stuff when I have the time to do it. As my approaching-paper-deadlines stress gradually increases, it's not helping that I, erm, haven't really been doing that much research for them even if I have the spare time. If this is the only week (well, I guess the last week) I have this issue, it would be great.
I'm enjoying this course, of course, and reading Divakaruni's novel. It's getting a bit depressing, though, so I'm looking forward to moving on to Breaking the Bow (how often do you get to read science fiction for class??!!). I'm still holding out hope that I can forge on ahead a bit and finish the course early. While I like the subject material and assignments, it will also be nice to have one less thing to worry about towards the end of the semester.
The second story of the Storybook...not my best. I liked the character the first took on, but the second seems dry to me. I think a major part of it was not being familiar with the story as much as with Sita's, not having seen all of the nuance that people read into/take out of it. Also, I was trying to squeeze in a lot of cultural information at the same time, because with this festival there was actually a lot of detailed info online.
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Hopefully the third story will go better. I think I'll have to use a comic book or graphic novel from the library as a main source, so that should be fun! I haven't yet ventured out to see what's on reserve for the Epics class -- I really prefer reading longer novels and such -- but I should definitely take at least some advantage of the resources pooled there. :)
I'm enjoying this course, of course, and reading Divakaruni's novel. It's getting a bit depressing, though, so I'm looking forward to moving on to Breaking the Bow (how often do you get to read science fiction for class??!!). I'm still holding out hope that I can forge on ahead a bit and finish the course early. While I like the subject material and assignments, it will also be nice to have one less thing to worry about towards the end of the semester.
The second story of the Storybook...not my best. I liked the character the first took on, but the second seems dry to me. I think a major part of it was not being familiar with the story as much as with Sita's, not having seen all of the nuance that people read into/take out of it. Also, I was trying to squeeze in a lot of cultural information at the same time, because with this festival there was actually a lot of detailed info online.
The pookalam flower carpets for Onam are my favorite festival tradition so far.
Hopefully the third story will go better. I think I'll have to use a comic book or graphic novel from the library as a main source, so that should be fun! I haven't yet ventured out to see what's on reserve for the Epics class -- I really prefer reading longer novels and such -- but I should definitely take at least some advantage of the resources pooled there. :)
Week 10 Reading Diary, cont.: Palace of Illusions
reading: Part F of The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (2008)
The end is drawing nigh, which is a bit frightening, remembering roughly what happens to everyone by the conclusion of the Mahabharata. I tend to prefer books without a great deal of violence and death...so this was a poor choice in those respects. I'm not looking forward to the next sets of chapters.
It was interesting, though, to suddenly be introduced to a host of new characters and reintroduced to some old ones. Kunti and Sikhandi are back, as are the sons of the Pandavas. I was particularly intrigued by the story of Hidimbi, Bhima's first wife, which I didn't remember from the epic. So many of these characters would be fascinating as the protagonists of their own novels! After all, they've all been doing their own things while the Pandavas are embroiled with their political and family dramas.
Another interesting aspect coming up is Indian philosophies. A kind of current running in the background of this novel is Draupadi's stubborn independence, while admirable for her position as a woman in her culture in that time, also leads her to some decisions with far-reaching, lethal consequences. If she would just let go of her anger and fear, she'd be happier and also have avoided some of the incidents that lead to the path the story takes. In this last section of reading, these themes were spelled out to her by others more explicitly than they had been in the past.
The end is drawing nigh, which is a bit frightening, remembering roughly what happens to everyone by the conclusion of the Mahabharata. I tend to prefer books without a great deal of violence and death...so this was a poor choice in those respects. I'm not looking forward to the next sets of chapters.
It was interesting, though, to suddenly be introduced to a host of new characters and reintroduced to some old ones. Kunti and Sikhandi are back, as are the sons of the Pandavas. I was particularly intrigued by the story of Hidimbi, Bhima's first wife, which I didn't remember from the epic. So many of these characters would be fascinating as the protagonists of their own novels! After all, they've all been doing their own things while the Pandavas are embroiled with their political and family dramas.
Hidimbi and the Pandavas
Another interesting aspect coming up is Indian philosophies. A kind of current running in the background of this novel is Draupadi's stubborn independence, while admirable for her position as a woman in her culture in that time, also leads her to some decisions with far-reaching, lethal consequences. If she would just let go of her anger and fear, she'd be happier and also have avoided some of the incidents that lead to the path the story takes. In this last section of reading, these themes were spelled out to her by others more explicitly than they had been in the past.
Week 10: Review
I backed up my work for this class (for the first time this semester...I'm really bad about that) and realized that I have more assignments left this weekend than I thought. Oops. Can't forget about all the commenting!
My favorite announcement this week was the Bronte sisters power dolls video. I'd actually run across this video last year while looking for a Charlotte Bronte action figure (my friend had given me a Jane Austen one for my birthday, but Charlotte Bronte is my true favorite author) and was disappointed that this is the closest anyone's come to making dolls for the Brontes. Still, this video is even funnier than I remembered. :)
My favorite announcement this week was the Bronte sisters power dolls video. I'd actually run across this video last year while looking for a Charlotte Bronte action figure (my friend had given me a Jane Austen one for my birthday, but Charlotte Bronte is my true favorite author) and was disappointed that this is the closest anyone's come to making dolls for the Brontes. Still, this video is even funnier than I remembered. :)
The Jane Austen action figure is cool, but not as cool as Charlotte Bronte.
(source: Archie McPhee)
Week 10 Storytelling: Marriage Counseling
Dr. Counselor: Well, I can’t
say I’ve ever seen a case as unique as yours before. So…five husbands and one
wife? I’ll try to help you out, but of course the usual marriage counseling
strategies are aimed at monogamous couples. It’s going to take some creativity
to adapt them. I’m up for the challenge if you’re willing to put up with some
experimentation on my part.
Yudhishthira: Of course,
doctor. I’m sure you’ll be able to help us.
Dr. Counselor: So can you
describe what issues you seem to be having in your marriage? Jealousy, perhaps?
Arjun: Well, that’s a leading question! No, we’ve
long passed any jealousy problems. Being married for over twenty years, we’ve
found ways to work it out.
Dr. Counselor: So why did you all
come in today?
Pandava brothers: Well…
Dr. Counselor: Yes?
Draupadi: [sighs] It’s
because of me. They all get along
fine. I’m the thorn in everyone’s side!
Bhima: Dear one, that’s
not true! It’s just that this exile has been hard on all of us, and tensions
are rising the longer we stay in the forest all together.
Nakula and Sahadeva: [mumbling]
Because someone’s being a whiny b*#!@.
Dr. Counselor: Ahhh, I think I’m
beginning to see the root of the issue. You’re not so different from other
marriages after all –
Arjun: Yes, it seems to
be the standard of woman to nag her husband about what can’t be helped!!!
Dr. Counselor: Now, now, let’s
not raise our voices or point fingers. Communication is a two-way street.
Brothers, what are your side of things?
Bhima: Draupadi is the
perfect wife! I’m so sorry we got her into this situation. I don’t mind doing
everything she wants. She deserves it, to so selflessly go into exile with us
and give up so much!
Nakula: Except she then
complains about everything! It’s all
nag, nag, nag, “look at what a mess you’ve made of things,” “how could
Yudhishthira be so stupid,” “you lost my
lovely palace,” “how could husbands do this to their wife” –
Sahadeva: All she does is
whine about how we need to seek vengeance! Which is totally our plan, but we have
to finish our exile first and then worry
about all that. The time will come, she just needs to learn patience.
Yudhishthira: It’s not all
that bad. Draupadi is right – I really screwed up, and it affected all of us
very negatively. Just, after so long, I feel like we’re growing distant rather
than closer in our relationships with her.
Arjun: [mumbles] Yeah,
I would rather be in the palaces of my other wives sometimes, but instead I’m
always stuck with her.
Dr. Counselor: Draupadi, what’s
your side of this?
Draupadi: I don’t think my
husbands realize just how much this exile has affected me. That palace was home, it was the only place where I’d
ever felt truly comfortable and in control. To lose that was devastating! And
then the humiliation of the games with those Kauravas – a woman’s honor demands
vengeance in such a case, and I can’t let my husbands forget their duty to
serve it!
Dr. Counselor: O-kay, I think
we have enough to work with here. There’s some hidden tensions here I’d like to
parse out further, but those can wait for later. Like I said, the communication
issues are quite clear. Let’s start by discussing how to address those, shall
we?
attempted disrobing of Draupadi following Yudhishthira's loss of the game
Author's Note: Reading through Divakaruni's novel The Palace of Illusions, I was struck by Draupadi's attitudes and behavior during the Pandavas' exile. She's not a very supportive companion; rather, in her rage with the situation, she's berating her husbands about seeking revenge and making a lot of complaints and demands. She's never really had a loving relationship with the five brothers in this book, but I hate how bad it's getting at this point. I thought up the idea of marriage counseling, because I think part of the problem is that she's being blinded by her feelings, but also part of the problem is that she and the brothers aren't communicating well enough on their issues and relationships. I want them to work things out rather than just place all the blame on Draupadi's behavior.
Bibliography:
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, The Palace of Illusions (2008)
illustration from a Mughal period Persian Mahabharata (Wikimedia Commons)
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