Analysis Of R. K. Narayan's 'Ramayana'

In The Ramayana by R. K. Narayan, Rama is the prince of Kosala who was once a god named Vishnu that was reincarnated and sent to earth as a mortal. Rama was the successor of Kosala as decided by Rama’s father King Dasaratha. Although Rama should have been the one to take the throne Rama is instead banished because of Dasaratha’s favorite wife, Kaikeyi, wishes that her son, Bhataha, take the throne and for Rama to be sent into exile. Dasaratha’s agrees due to promises he owed Kaikeyi so Rama is exiled with his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana all go through many challenges during the 14 years Rama is exiled from Kosala. During the 14 years they are in exile Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana all prove to be heroes in their own way. A hero is someone who shows courage, such as putting people 's lives

This is Rama’s first challenge towards becoming a hero, “I will carry out his wishes without question. Mother, be assured that I will not shirk. I have no interest in kingship, and no attachments to such offices, and no aversion to a forest existence” (Ramayana, pg. 45). Kosala Rama, Sita, Lakshmana are exiled and arrive in Godavari River’s bank. Rama sees a beautiful damsel named, Kamavalli, but Rama demonstrates good morals and control, “Rama understood her purpose. He realized that she had only an appearance of quality, and was really cheap and shameless.” (Ramayana, pg. 65). Ravana falls for Rama’s wife Sita and takes her after he seeks revenge for his sister Soorpanaka from her beating by Lakshmana. Rama battles and kills Ravana in battle but handles Ravana’s death with the utmost respect, “Honour him and cherish his memory so that his spirit may go to heaven, where he has his place. And now I will leave you to attend to his funeral arrangements, befitting his grandeur.”(Ramayana, pg.147) Rama killing Ravana showed Rama’s capability, strength, all characteristics of a