Abstract and questions
Consider the story in terms of the Hindu concept of dharma. Narayan does not use the Sanskrit word dharma, but the idea that each character has a duty or destiny which must be fulfilled pervades the book. What is Rama's dharma? What is Sita's dharma? Consider in particular how the marriage of Rama and Sita is restored at the end of the story by divine intervention. What is Hanuman's dharma? Since he is non-human, how does this alter his dharma? What is Ravana's dharma? Since he is a demon, he might fulfill his demon dharma, and yet commit evil as understood ...
