Reading Notes Narayan's Mahabharata Part C

- I liked this plot twist where the Pandavas end up rescuing Duryodhana. I think it is safe to say that the original storyteller did not need to include the Pandavas rescuing Duryodhana for them to be likable characters. I'm curious reading forward how this rescue will affect Duryodhana's attitude toward the Pandavas?

- I feel like, in any situation, if a strange mystical voice says that you need to answer a question before drinking the water or you will die... you should probably answer the questions so, ya know, you don't think. I don't understand why some authors make their central characters idiots who don't think rationally sometimes. ( I am glad the one smart brother is the one who gets to chill with the king in their 13th year of exile while all the dumb brothers have jobs)

- I enjoy that as the story has progressed each of the brothers has started to be highlighted separately a little more. For a little while, at least as I was reading, the brothers felt a little indistinctive. Now that they have a little separation in their storylines it is easily to remember who they are. I don't know if that separation was an intentional move on the authors part or not, but I do think it works well.

Krishna. AKA the unfortunate plot hole
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 - Having Krishna appear in this story does create some narrative problems for my storybook. I don't know how to get around the fact that Kamadeva was incarnated as Krishna's son when I have him commentating on the Pandavas since I have his diaries set after his reincarnation.

- It amazes me that the Pandavas saving Duryodhana appears to have had no impact on his character. He really needs to gain some perspective before going to war. Also Dhritarashtra needs to realize his offspring is insane and just back the Pandavas. AKA he needs to stop being a coward.

Bibliography

Narayan's Mahabharata,Link to Reading Guide C .