This entire introduction was very interesting. The part that stood out to me the most was Sītā's abduction and subsequent shame. I'm always interested in how different cultures view purity and sexuality especially in women and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Rāmāyana to see how Sītā's purity plays into the story. The concept of Sītā being punished for the actions of a man that she herself had no control over is, unfortunately, a narrative that plays out too often, but the reunification added an unexpected twist that I'm intrigued to read more about (p. 17).
I'm very fond of the use of repetition to further the telling of a story and I'm interested to see how this device unfolds through the course of the story (p. 9). It appears that the use of a variety of literary devices will be important to how the story is told and how it's designed to be read (p. 4). I'm looking forward to seeing how these devices move the story forward and affect how the story is being told.
I found the nature of the epic interesting. I like the concept of the story being intended to be told orally with guidance as to how the story is told but acknowledging the power the reader holds when reading the story aloud or recounting it from memory. There is a level of responsibility you are taking on when you're given the ability to add humor or emphasis because it can completely change the meaning of the story (p. 21). Personally, I think the best thing about stories like these are the journeys they go through by being told orally time and again until it reaches you (p. 23).
Questions:
How did banishing Sītā affect Rāma's dharma (p. 18)?
What would happen if the Rāma never heard his story? Would he eventually cease to exist (p. 20)?