So I can see from other peoples posts that there is a common theme to who benefits from the Ramayana. The common theme is men or men of power. Rama would be considered a warrior in the caste system which is one of the highest in the system. Throughout the book, Rama is praised for his heroism. "My eldest son Rama is virtuous and brave and the foremost among all righteous men" (pg 106). It's almost like the book could be showing men what they could be. He is also called "the sinless one" on page 39. It is telling men that they can be a hero, virtuous, brave, even sinless. Yet the women are portrayed as deviant, lying, impure. Rama didn't think Sita was pure enough for him even though she waited so long for him. I can definitely see the reoccurring theme of showing men the great that they can do in this world and the bad that women already do.
I also noticed that common discussion among everyone's posts. And there are often scenes where the women are present in the story, but do not speak, which furthers that male-centric atmosphere in the story. This is a very classic portrayal of men and women though; the men get to be the hero while the women are the ones who need saving, but keep getting into trouble and requiring some salvific act. It definitely is skewed toward male audiences, and I am curious to study the story going forward and how it has been understood by women since its genesis.
I too noticed that most seem to think men have the most benefit from the story.
Rama's refusal to trust Sita, even after she passes the tests shows a little insecurity to me. I mean you can handle all these battles but not deal with some people falsely thinking your wife was unfaithful to you. It is not like he had any reason to truly doubt her. She passed the test.
Rama's refusal to trust Sita, even after she passes the tests shows a little insecurity to me. I mean you can handle all these battles but not deal with some people falsely thinking your wife was unfaithful to you. It is not like he had any reason to truly doubt her. She passed the test.