Antigone

Loyalty appears to be a strong value possessed within characters of this Greek play, Antigone. In the beginning, both brothers of Antigone, Eteocles and Polynices, have both gone to war against each other resulting in death. They were in pursuit of ruling the city of Thebes but Polynices decides that he will deploy his army in an act of raging war to become the next crowned king. Creon, the uncle of Eteocles and Polynices, is introduced to the story after the brotherly war has ended. Because he is next to kin he will be King of Thebes. Out of respect for his God he will not provide a proper burial for Polynices as "he must be left unburied, his corpse carrion for the birds and dogs to tear, an obscenity for the citizens to behold!" (230) Creon exemplifies his loyalty to his city by doing this and expects that all other statesmen follow in the same order.
On the other hand Antigone, Creon's niece, disagrees and believes that her brother's body should not be left exposed to rot. She has a duty to her family and wants him to be buried like any other honorable man. Antigone is committed to the welfare of her brother. She takes matters in her own hands to provide a proper burial for Polynices although this defies Creon's orders.

Classic of Poetry: Boat of Cypress

The mood of this poem begins as it reflects sadness, depression and someone in peril. The character within this poem appears to be forced into doing something against her wishes perhaps. She travels by boat to a place she dreads the whole entire duration of the boat ride. Apparently she suffers from this as she is in anguish, resulting in insufficient rest. Also, along this river stream she traverses much wine is being consumed. She is not with a healthy mind as she drinks to down her depression. She feels her brothers are not at her defense as mentioned “I went and told them of my grief and met only with their rage.” (11-12) I can only surmise that she has violated a traditional custom of her family and for this reason her brothers are abhorrent. In further reading she expresses, “my heart is uneasy and restless, I am reproached by little men. Many are the woes I’ve met…I think on it in the quiet, and waking pound my breast.” (19-24) It seems that she has been forced by her family to wed a man that they have chosen for her, as it is customary in many cultures. She may have been more willing had it been someone much more desirable but it pains her to marry, because she is not fond of this chosen person. This character does not seem to have conveyed her true feelings of this decision because she chooses not to speak much on it. As much as she would like to she chooses not to raise clamor.

Quest to find Sita

The search for Sita comes to an end with the help of Hanuman. For his help, Sita should give many thanks. She is hopeless that her reunion with Rama and Laksmana will be fulfilled. Sita is grief-stricken and tormented by the thought of being at a far distance and no one to come to her rescue. The demonesses that have been commanded to supervise Sita often threaten to kill and eat her. But, it was the dream of one demoness, Trijata, that Sita would have the opportunity of finding Rama once again. She is less despondent after hearing this.

This dream becomes true when Hanuman finally arrives to Lanka and after many attempts finds Sita at the Asoka-Grove. Hanuman, while perched on a tree, discreetly speaks with Sita. She is unsure of whom he might be at first, but after he describes and gives many clues of her consort Rama and his brother Laksmana she now knows Hanuman is there to save her. Thinking of the best possible way to rescue her from captivity, Hanuman offers to fly her on his back. Sita is skeptical of his proposal and asks that he go notify and bring Rama back. Without argument Hanuman did just that. Needless to say, the princess rejoined her husband after he puts the King of Lanka, Ravana, to rest.

Rama

The story of Rama is undeniably great work, filled with passion, suspense and drama. As the King, Rama’s father, is to retire and pass the thrown to Rama he is replaced by his younger brother, Bharata. All who attend the coronation are astonished that Rama does not succeed his father, Dasaratha. It is the wish of Rama’s step-mother, Kaikeyi, which must be fulfilled by her husband. The wish is of Bharata becoming King of Ayodhya. Many are not in favor of the King’s decision, as they expected Rama to be crowned. He is a person of honor, truth, and obedience. His brother Laskmana and all others admire him for this reason and will do right by him; whatever it takes. Laskamana threatens to kill the king if it means for him to become crowned. Rama disagrees and will do as told. His mother, Kasaulya, also disagrees but he will go to the forest for fourteen years as his father has ordered. Rama at first does not allow his wife and brother to accompany him in going to the forest. They stand by him even if it conflicts with the king’s order. Sita, Rama’s wife, begs to follow him along or she will poison herself if it means she cannot be with her husband. The ending should be more interesting in further reading.