The Ethical Codes Of Rama

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In R.K. Narayan’s version of The Ramayana, Rama certainly appears to be an ideal king, one who fulfils his responsibilities, the sort of king and person that others should use as a template for their own actions. Rama uses dharma to represent the ideal qualities of kingship by adhering to the social conventions of familial roles and gender constructs, following ethical codes, and acting with morals and restraint. Through his actions, Rama sets an example for all as to how one should act in order to aid in the formation of a cohesive society.
Rama demonstrates how one should behave within the hierarchy of one’s family. He is unconditionally loyal to his father to the point that he no qualms over remaining in exile for fourteen years in order …show more content…

One example of this is when Rama allows Ravana to recover mid-battle saying, “It is not fair warfare to attack a man who is in a faint” (Narayan 146). Rama’s dismay at the thought of killing Ravana when his back is turned is another example of this behavior. Although he did shoot Vali outside of direct confrontation, Rama justifies this because his vow of support to Sugreeva came first therefore, if he had acted in a different manner, it would have resulted in confusion. Rama tells Vali, “It is my primary duty to help the weak and destroy evil . . . I help those that seek my help” (Narayan 103). Because Vali was acting in an unbecoming manner of a king, it was Rama’s duty to destroy …show more content…

One instance of this is when the uttering of Rama’s name transforms Hanuman, causing him to regrow his feathers (Narayan 119). Another example is when the dust from Rama’s feet restores Ahalya to her form as a beautiful woman and he tells her, “Let not your heart be burdened with what is past and gone” (Narayan 21). Rama purifies mistakes and actions of the past. Even Ravana, upon receiving Rama’s final arrow, is renewed for “Rama’s arrows had burnt off the layers of dross, the anger, conceit, cruelty, lust, and egotism . . . and now his personality came through . . . one who was devout and capable of tremendous attainments” (Narayan

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