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Theme Of Characterization In The Ramayana

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The Importance and Meaning of Characterization The wise Vibishana declares, “A man loses his honour and name only through lust and avarice. You have acquired extraordinary powers through your own spiritual performances but you have misused your powers and attacked the very gods that gave you the power, and now you pursue evil ways” (The Ramayana page 126). The Ramayana portrays each and every character having his or her own personality traits and specific behaviors. Why is characterization so important in a story that is now history? How did R.K. Narayan show the characters hopes, dreams, and true colors? Because of Narayan’s intellectual ways of displaying characterization in The Ramayana, the reader understands why it is used, how it …show more content…

The author, Narayan, says these words about Rama, “Rama felt a pity for her, and, not wanting to seem hostile, tried to argue her out of her purpose” (The Ramayana page 65). The author directly tells us what Rama is feeling, the shame and disappointment for the desperate demon Soorpanaka. Other times, the writer of The Ramayana gives us personality traits of the characters through their actions or words, therefore, indirectly. For example, we learn that Rama is wise and selfless when he speaks these words, “Even when you realize that the one before you is an enemy and must be treated sternly, do not hurt with words.” (The Ramayana page 106). Characterization allows the reader to analyze the characters in different ways. Through the use of characterization in The Ramayana, the reader is able to compare and contrast different characters. Indirect and direct characterization allows the characters to be connected by their personality and behavior. For example, Ravana and Rama can be contrasted in many ways. Rama is the ultimate display of goodness, while Ravana is the depiction of greatness. The reader sees this connection of characters multiple times throughout the book by words, actions, and thoughts. During the great battle at the end of the book, we see Rama’s goodness with these words Rama says, “It is not fair

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