Kevin,+Kate,+Kathryn+and+Tim

Tim Yannopoulos, Kevin Janson, Kathryn Dougherty, Kate Stanley Ms. Myers World Studies 4 18 December 2011 The Ramayana Narrator: King Dasharatha had three wives and four sons, the eldest of which was named Rama. Even during childhood, it was clear that Rama was very strong and skilled with a bow. It came to be that one day a woman named Sita was looking for a husband, and Rama decided to compete for her hand in marriage.

Sita: Because I do not want to have a weak husband, my groom will be determined by whoever can string this bow. I will willingly marry whoever can do this.

[Rama strings and snaps the bow]

Sita: You have proven your strength! I choose you to be my husband. [places garland around Rama’s neck]

Narrator: King Dasharatha believes that it is time for him to turn his thoughts towards his afterlife, so he decides to try and achieve moksha.

Dasharatha: Rama, come here.

Rama: Yes father?

Dasharatha: I have decided that it is time for me to give up the throne, so I am passing on the duties of king to you.

Rama: I accept the throne from you.

Dasharatha: I am glad to hear that, for without your word I could not achieve moksha, which I now seek.

Rama: But what will you do now?

Dasharatha: I plan on going deep into the forest and becoming one with my surroundings. I shall leave soon.

Narrator: Later that day, Dasharatha and his wife got into an argument.

Kaikeyi: You made Rama king? How dare you!

Dasharatha: Why are you so angry?

Kaikeyi: You made a promise to me many years ago that MY son would become king after you!

Dasharatha: Ah...yes, I forgot about that, but what should I do? I already made Rama king.

Kaikeyi: You must banish Rama. This is the only way you can strip him of the throne.

Dasharatha: There has to be another way! I cannot tell Rama this!

Kaikeyi: If you will not tell him, then I will have to tell him myself.

Dasharatha [submissively]: Fine, you tell him; I cannot look him in the face and say it.

[Kaikeyi confronts Rama]

Kaikeyi [sarcastically]: Your father wants me to tell you that you are, as of now, banished from his kingdom for fourteen years. Rama: I will do whatever my father asks of me. I will go once I am ready.

Narrator: And so Rama, joined by Sita and his brother, Lakshmanan who insisted upon coming. They journeyed into the forest, where they lived in exile for fourteen years.

[In the throne room]

Kaikeyi: Bharata, you will be pleased to find out that Rama is no longer king, you are!

Bharata: But this is against the kings, and Rama’s and Dasharatha’s dharma. I shall not accept the title. [In forest where Rama is living]

Bharata: Rama, you must return to your rightful spot as king, it is your dharma.

Rama: We must obey father, I will do as I am told, and so will you. Go back and rule your people.

Bharata: Rama, may I have your sandals?

Rama: Anything for you brother.

Bharata: I will put these on the throne, and every day I shall place the fruits of my work at the feet of my Lord. [runs off]

Narrator: Many years later...

Princess: Hello Rama! How are you!

Lakshmana: Get away! How dare you even walk close to my friend Rama! [chases her off]

[in Ravana’s throne room]

Princess: Oh Ravana, I met this lovely princess named Sita today. She is so beautiful and is very charming!

Ravana: I must have her! She must be mine! I must disguise myself and trick her. Ravana [now holy man]: My lady, am collecting alms and bringing them to the shelter. Perhaps you have some offerings?

Sita: Sure, here take my meal, I will make some more (gets out of chair)

Ravana: [snatches her] Ha! I have caught you. You are now mine!

Rama: Where has Sita gone? she is missing!

Ravana: Sita, think how much more I could offer you if you were my wife.

Sita: I will never accept.

Ravana: If you refuse I will continue to torture you.

Sita: I wish Rama were here. [looks at the ground]

[Rama arrives in Lanka and fights Ravana]

Rama: Ravana, do you have any last words?

Ravana: You will never have Sita. [Rama kills Ravana]

Narrator: So Rama and Sita are happily reunited and make their way to Ayodhya, where Rama is crowned king.

[crowning ceremony]

Rama: Everyone is happy because they have fulfilled their dharma. Fathers never have to light funeral pyres for their sons.

The End!

*Kate: Narrator, Kaikeyi Tim: Rama Kathryn: Sita, Bharata, Lakshmana Kevin: Dasharatha, Ravana Mrs. Janson: Princess