Olivia,
Some good stuff here. I think there are many interesting parallels to be drawn between the manner in which women and sexuality are played out in this text and the very similar ways they can be played out in other religious texts. Sītā had very little influence over what happened to her, but a trial by fire is held for her in order to prove she was not disloyal. A question to further your comments would be, why the hostility towards potential sexual misconduct when it is also clear that Sītā has no control?
Some good stuff here. I think there are many interesting parallels to be drawn between the manner in which women and sexuality are played out in this text and the very similar ways they can be played out in other religious texts. Sītā had very little influence over what happened to her, but a trial by fire is held for her in order to prove she was not disloyal. A question to further your comments would be, why the hostility towards potential sexual misconduct when it is also clear that Sītā has no control?