I was alone, tired, and hungry. I know I looked a mess, but it had been days since I had been captured. I was losing track of how long I had been in captivity, days were just running together. The only company I had was the tormenting rakshasas guarding my cage. I knew Ravana would return soon, and I knew what he would ask. He said all he wanted was me, but I love Rama and no matter the pain or suffering it might cause, I cannot betray him. Ravana had been keeping me locked away in his palace. It truly was a place of beauty, built of solid marble with floors of gold and stairs of coral, it was a sight to be seen, but the wicked that went on in that place soiled it's beauty for me.
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| Ravana talking to Sita. Source: British Library |
Author's Note: "Sita and Ravana" In this story, Hanuman had finally finds Sita. He saw her surrounded in Ravana's home by rakshasas. During this whole episode, he was hidden a tree near, where he could witness this whole scene unfolding. I kept the episode details the same and I just changed the story to Sita's perspective. I thought hearing what Sita was going through first hand would allow the reader to connect with her better. I like the idea of having her tell her story so we could feel what she felt. I added the detail of Sita being in a cage and of her being hungry and tried. In the original story, when Hanuman found her he said he recognized her by her fair flawless look and her jewels, so I took the idea and wanted it to make her seem that she was almost unrecognizable because of her state. I liked the original story line, so I did not want to make any changes. I rephrased the conversation between Ravana and Sita to make it less confusing and in my own words, but other than that and the perspective change my story is similar to the original.
Bibliography: Sita and Ravana from Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita.
Hi Aubryelle,
ReplyDeleteI loved how you added in the how the wives came along with a "sound of the jingle of bangles around women's feet". I could hear that in my mind. I really like that you added sensory items to the story to make it come to life. I like how you made Ravana look evil and like Rama doesn't really love Sita because he isn't here. You did an amazing job at writing this.
In the story I wonder why Ravana wanted Sita so badly? I wonder if she really was that pretty and magnificent? I bet she was so beautiful that everyone in her land wanted her as their wife.
What if Sita actually said yes? Would she be happy with Ravana or so you think she would be sad and lonely. I think that she could be happy eventually but it would take a long time for her to mourn.
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ReplyDeleteHello Aubryelle! I really like the take on the story! Being able to delve into Sita's thoughts and understanding her feelings is what makes this story so personal, a little like a diary entry which reveals a person's innermost thoughts. Even with Ravana's trail of wives, he still wants Sita. Do you think this is because Ravana is greedy and wants everything that is beautiful or is it just because she belongs to Rama and Ravana wants him to suffer? Also, what do you think the outcome would be if Sita actually considered joining Ravana just so she could stop being tortured? I think she would handle it for a little while, but she would probably end up escaping and go back to Rama, the love of her life. I love the way you wrote this story by the way. It is unique and gives a lot of information that was only assumed in the original version of the Ramayana.
ReplyDeleteHi Aubryelle!
ReplyDeleteYou have fantastic descriptive power in this story. I love reading the tale from Sita's point of view, and you captured her perfectly. This is a dark point in her story (one of many, sadly), and I enjoyed reading what happened from her perspective quite a bit. The idea that her fair and flawless look was actually a bit more disheveled makes more sense to me too. This was a fun, albeit dark, story to read. I would enjoy reading more in this vein (first person perspectives from the Ramayana).
Hi Aubryelle!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your week four story, “Sita in Captivity.” I also thought the image you included really complemented your story well. I liked how you incorporated a lot of dialogue between your characters. I feel like it made your story more interesting to read. Overall, I think you did a great job at creating a new interesting story and I can’t wait to see what you do next week!
Hey Aubryelle! I really enjoyed your story!. Image that you have included fits very nicely with the story you are telling. Nice dialogue and nice pace to the story. I think you did excellent and keep up the good work for the rest of the semester!
ReplyDelete