Antigone

Antigone's gender plays a significant role on the understanding of her actions. Creon states that the need to defeat Antigone is all the more vital because she is a woman. The independence of Greek women was tremendously limited during this era. The rules and regulations placed on them were immense, even for the ancient world. Antigone's uprising is particularly intimidating because it upsets gender roles and hierarchy in the story. By refusing to be submissive, Antigone overturns one of the essential rules of her way of life. Antigone wants her brothers body to be properly buried and will do what is necessary to make sure the burial is performed. Antigone tries to get Ismene to assist her in the burial of Polynices but Ismene is hesistant to go against Creon’s decree. Ismene is intimidated by the rule of men and believes that women should be obedient to them or fear their punishment. Ismene believes that men are stronger and more capable, as many women were taught to believe so women must do what men tell them. In the end we see that Antigone has simply given in to the challenges that Creon puts forth.  When Creon realizes he may be wrong, he changes his argument because he did not want to acknowledge loss to a woman.  That would display weakness for Creon by going back on his principles. It is this underlying lie that Sophocles' play tries to correct, largely through the punishment that the gods impose on Creon as a result of his simple minded, belief.

Analects

The Analects of Confucius is a collection of several books which teach individuals about how one should live their life.  Some of the important themes Confucius discusses are that of being well educated, contributing to society and living an honest life. Confucius taught virtues to his students as well.  In book two he says “The rule of virtue can be compared to the pole star which commands the homage of the multitude of stars without leaving its place.” The master goes on to say “The odes are three hundred in number. They can be summed up in one phrase, Swerving not from the right path.” Confucius teaches those to stay on the right path throughout life and to not let one be distracted from obstacles that may get in the way of doing what is important. 

Confucius also taught basic principle which are still being taught to this day to many.  These principles are taught to us at a young age, when we start school. Confucius talks about benevolence in book twelve. "Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. In this wayyou will be free from ill will whether in a state or in a noble family."  In modern day terms we would be told to treat others the way we want to be treated.  This principle comes from confucius' teachings and is very commonly known.   I enjoyed reading the Analects and gained valuable insight of Confucius' teachings.  Much can be learned through Confucius’ teachings that can be applied to our day to day lives.

Ramayana: Sita's Love For Rama

Two major elements in the story of the Ramayana are the love and loyalty shared between Rama and Sita. Sita is the ideal wife that anyone could ask for. Sita shows her loyalty when Rama was banished into the forest for fourteen years; Sita choose to accompany him on his journey. Their love is tested many times throughout the story, most importantly when Sita was kidnapped by Ravana.  Rama would stop at nothing to rescue Sita from Ravana, Rama loved Sita so much that he would do anything to get her back. During Sita’s captivity, Ravana gives her one year to marry him and if she does not, Ravana threatened to kill Sita and eat her. Sita knew that Ravana could not touch a human and would not allow Ravana to touch her for as long as she lived.  Sita’s loyalty of course is to Rama. Sita wanted to save herself for Rama and maintain her purity. Rama does everything to try and rescue Sita from Ravana. Sita would only allow Rama come to save her, and if he did not come she contemplated suicide.  To Sita, if she could not be with Rama she would rather chose death than live in Lanka with Ravana. Once Sita was rescued Rama was not sure if Sita maintained her purity.  To prove her purity, Sita stepped into a fire and was protected by the fire god. The fire god told Rama of her purity and loyalty to him and Rama accepted her. Rama and Sita’s love never failed throughout the story, but continued to grow stronger for one another.

Ramayana

One theme of Ramayana can be seen as the fight between Good and Evil.  The fight is between Rama and Ravana. Ravana tries to steal Rama’s wife Sita away from him.  Ravana created a plan to abduct Sita. Ravana shapeshifts into a deer which Sita desired. Rama and Lakshman go off to hunt the deer for Sita.  They draw a protective circle around Sita to keep her safe.  Ravana soon appears as a begger trying to trick Sita.  Sita steps outside the circle to give him food and Ravana grabs her and takes her away to his kingdom in Lanka. Rama is shocked when he returns  and cannot find Sita.  Ravana wants Sita to become his wife, but Sita is loyal to Rama.  Ravana cannot force her to be his wife so he threatens her to try to get her to marry him. Sita can only think about her love, Rama.  Hanuman, the general of the monkey army flies to Lanka and finds Sita in the grove. He comforts her and tells her Rama will soon come save her.  Hanuman flies back to Rama to tell him where Sita is. Rama, Lakshman and the monkey army build a walkway from the tip of India to Lanka and cross over to Lanka. A great battle ensues between Rama and Ravana. Rama kills several of Ravana's brothers and then Rama confronts the ten-headed Ravana. Rama finally kills Ravana and sets Sita free. After Sita proves here purity, they go back to Ayodhya and Rama takes back the throne and becomes king. As in most stories good always conquers evil as it does in the story of Ramayana.  This story portrays Rama as the hero trying to save his true love from being taken away from him.