|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
The City Vs the Forest: Fear of the Unknown
Even in Buck’s watered down version of the Ramayana the Indian culture’s fear of the unknown is thoroughly revealed. ... Greek epics such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, German fairy tales, such as those analyzed by Josef Grimm and most all Russian fairy tales all share this dichotomy with the Ramayana. ... ” (Avery, 94)
The unknown is much more frightening than any single terror could be, and this is what is reflected in the oral traditions, as we see in the Ramayana.
This fear of the outdoors is not seen in today’s culture, and for good reason. The culture and the times in which the Ramayana, the Iliad, the Odyssey, German and Russian fairy tales were written were much different than those of the present day. ... There is literally no scene without the mention or presence of gods in the Ramayana. ... The main reason for Rama’s questing is to defeat the demon king Ravana, although his earthly incarnation does not know this until more than half of the Ramayana is told. ...
A major link between the forest and the city in the Ramayana is Rama and his brothers. ... Valmiki, the hermit who is telling the tale of Rama represents another link for the Ramayana’s audience, that of the ascetic. ... ” (Homer, 113)
The evidence from the Iliad proves again a mutual tie between Greek and Indian culture. ... The Ramayana is religious text of Hinduism, and it was meant as a guide for good Hindus. ... Submitting to Dharma in the city and the forest preserves the lives and the luck of all the characters in the Ramayana.
Approximate Word count = 1282
Approximate Pages = 5.1
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|