As with all religious texts, the reader and their situation impact their interpretation of the text. A part of the Many Ramayanas that stood out to me is how “the structure of the songs precisely replicates the structure of the house” of Brahmins (128). For Brahmin men they are most present in the front of the house; whereas for Brahmin women, they are most present in the back of the house. A vast contrast between the two is seen that “Men are even ridiculed for lingering in the back of the house, although male relatives of the wife’s family may enter, as can the husband’s younger brothers if they are much younger than the wife” (128). This circumstance of Brahmin’s daily lives is seen in the reflection of the songs. Rama as “the master of the house” and the “people who inhabit the interior of the songs are mostly women” (128). The Brahmin caste influences how they interpret the story and how they set up the narrative.
I agree with you Emma. I think the Ramayana reinforces the idea of the cast system since it benefits the upper castes. I think this can create some major issues for others, especially since this is one of the texts lower castes can actually read.
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