Ramayana - Lesson 4
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Last updated 11 months ago
4 questions
Note from the author:
Passage 1
from “Deeds of Rama”
from Ramayana: Divine Loophole
by Sanjay Patel
One day during their training, they visited Vishvamitra’s ashram (1) only to find that it was plagued by (2) a demon named Tataka. The rishi [Vishvamitra] explained that due to his vow of nonviolence he could not take up arms (3) against the demon. Instinctively, Rama drew back his bow and the disrespectful demon was soon vanquished (4).
As Vishvamitra performed last rites for the slain demon, he explained that Rama’s action that day would have ramifications (5) in the future and cautioned him to always be mindful of his duty.
1 ashram: In Indian religions, a place of religious retreat
2 plagued by: Being harassed or troubled by
3 take up arms: Fight
4 vanquished: Completely defeated
5 ramifications: Consequences
Patel, Sanjay. Ramayana: Divine Loophole. Chronicle Books, 2010, p. 24.
Passage 2
from “Nosey Demon”
from Ramayana: Divine Loophole
by Sanjay Patel
The demon bared her fangs and raised her claws toward the princess. But before [the demon] Soorpanaka could strike, Rama intervened (6). He told the demon that if she would leave and promise never to return, her life would be spared. As he waited for her response, Lakshman burst upon the scene brandishing his sword, ready to chop the demon down. But before Lakshman could strike, Rama ordered him to lower his weapon. Soorpanaka cursed the three of them and swore that she would destroy Sita when their guard was down. The creature’s words enraged Lakshman and he sent his sword flying, cutting off the demon’s nose. Howling in pain, Soorpanaka fled from the jungle. The crisis was averted (7) … or so they thought.
6 intervened: Stepped in
7 averted: Prevented
Patel, Sanjay. Ramayana: Divine Loophole. Chronicle Books, 2010, p. 49.
Passage 1
from “Deeds of Rama”
from Ramayana: Divine Loophole
by Sanjay Patel
One day during their training, they visited Vishvamitra’s ashram (1) only to find that it was plagued by (2) a demon named Tataka. The rishi [Vishvamitra] explained that due to his vow of nonviolence he could not take up arms (3) against the demon. Instinctively, Rama drew back his bow and the disrespectful demon was soon vanquished (4).
As Vishvamitra performed last rites for the slain demon, he explained that Rama’s action that day would have ramifications (5) in the future and cautioned him to always be mindful of his duty.
1 ashram: In Indian religions, a place of religious retreat
2 plagued by: Being harassed or troubled by
3 take up arms: Fight
4 vanquished: Completely defeated
5 ramifications: Consequences
Patel, Sanjay. Ramayana: Divine Loophole. Chronicle Books, 2010, p. 24.
Passage 2
from “Nosey Demon”
from Ramayana: Divine Loophole
by Sanjay Patel
The demon bared her fangs and raised her claws toward the princess. But before [the demon] Soorpanaka could strike, Rama intervened (6). He told the demon that if she would leave and promise never to return, her life would be spared. As he waited for her response, Lakshman burst upon the scene brandishing his sword, ready to chop the demon down. But before Lakshman could strike, Rama ordered him to lower his weapon. Soorpanaka cursed the three of them and swore that she would destroy Sita when their guard was down. The creature’s words enraged Lakshman and he sent his sword flying, cutting off the demon’s nose. Howling in pain, Soorpanaka fled from the jungle. The crisis was averted (7) … or so they thought.
6 intervened: Stepped in
7 averted: Prevented
Patel, Sanjay. Ramayana: Divine Loophole. Chronicle Books, 2010, p. 49.
Required
1
This item has two parts. Answer PART A; then answer PART B.
Read this sentence from Passage 2. “He [Rama] told the demon that if she would leave and promise never to return, her life would be spared.”
What does the word spared mean in this context?
This item has two parts. Answer PART A; then answer PART B.
Read this sentence from Passage 2. “He [Rama] told the demon that if she would leave and promise never to return, her life would be spared.”
What does the word spared mean in this context?
Required
1
Part B: Based on this sentence, readers can infer that Rama believes what?
Part B: Based on this sentence, readers can infer that Rama believes what?
Required
1
How does Rama’s behavior in Passage 2 show a change from Passage 1?
How does Rama’s behavior in Passage 2 show a change from Passage 1?
Required
1
How does the last sentence of Passage 2 contribute to the development of the plot?
How does the last sentence of Passage 2 contribute to the development of the plot?