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Maggie Jones

Bharata

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I found Bharata to be an interesting character. I wonder about his relationship with dharma. He does not seem to hold anything against Rama and yet he allows his mother to exile Rama and make himself king. Rama contemplates how Bharata "is happy" but "shall soon destroy himself" for abandoning dharma (153). When telling his people that Bharata would be the king instead of him, Rama refers to him as generous, wise, virtuous (144). This is a stark contrast to what he says later while living in the forest. So, while showing no backbone to stand up to his mother Bharata also shows his mother the utmost respect.
At one point Bharata does come and offer Rama the throne after Dasaeatha dies (37). Rama tells him no and recognizes Bharata's regency. It seems that Bharata has had a realization that his acceptance of the throne was not a good thing and that there are terrible consequences (173). Additionally, Bharata is feeling guilty and this seems to be a way to rid himself of the guilt for his and his mother's actions.

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  1. Post by Shelby Lowery
    Re: Bharata
    Hey Maggie! I also find Bharata to be such an intriguing character in this story. He barely has spoken yet he has such an impact. He almost seems to be portrayed as weak on purpose. 
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  2. Post by Olivia Seckinger
    Re: Bharata
    Hi, Maggie! I found Bharata to be really interesting, too. He doesn't seem to be particularly invested one way or another. It seems as though he's just a pawn in the game, yet, Kaikeyi seems to be a pawn as well, so it's an interesting dynamic to figure out.
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