WHAT TYPE OF WARRIOR IS RAMA? WHAT is his dharma? As we trace his wanderings through the wilderness, pay attention to what he does, but also to why he does it. Though he embodies perfection, he doesn't always act perfectly. Why follow the deer, for example? Why must Lakshmana build his shelter time and time again? What do these lapses mean, both in the context of the myth, but also to you personally? Annotate for what the myth teaches us about the Hindu society that produced this myth, but also where it intersects with your own experience.

MONDAY

Students will read their archetype analysis aloud and share their artwork. We will spend the last five minutes of class beginning our work on the Hinduism terms crossword.
HW: Finish reading chapter two tonight.

TUESDAY

Discussion of love. What is the nature of love, as presented in The Ramayana?
HW: Take a break. No school tomorrow for standardized testing.

WEDNESDAY

NO SCHOOL
HW: Work on your college applications.

THURSDAY

Reading day. What is involved in regime change? Why is transfer of power such a problematic issue?
HW: Finish reading chapter three of The Ramayana, "Two Promises," up to page 61. In this section, we see Rama's second departure. Why does he accept this call? Due tomorrow.

FRIDAY

Discussion of chapter three.
HW: Read chapters four and five, "Encounters in Exile" and 'The Grand Tormentor."