Differences between both Sakuntala's (Kalidasa versus Mahabarata Research Paper

Differences between both Sakuntala's (Kalidasa versus Mahabarata version) - Research Paper Example The interpretation of Karma theory is simple and straightforward. ‘Every action has the reaction and the intensity of the reaction is in proportion to the intensity of the action.’ No dispute exists between the scientists and the spiritualists as for this issue. So, Sakuntala and Dushyanta are both the victims of their past deeds and they had to suffer the fated consequences of separation. Kalidasa generously uses flowers and trees to describe his women characters. Bee and deer are used as metaphors to highlight the activities and amorous adventures of the King. In Act I, the King is compared to a bee that is out to suck honey from the flowers, in this case the one and the only flower, Sakuntala. Sakuntala is not accustomed to such attacks from the bee. Initially she wonders why the bee has left the Jasmine vine and now tries to fly to her face. As the bee is persistent in flying towards her, she turns her bewitching eyes swiftly to watch the bee’s flight. Not out of love, but due to fright. But this bee is bold, and seems as if he has come to conquer her. He reaches out to her eyelids, then cheek and gently buzzing around, he whispers some sweet nothings into her ear. She tries to ward off the bee, but he strikes at her hand and steals a kiss. The King is so much enamored of Sakuntala that he wishes that she should accompany him. Sakuntala is awfully afraid and thinks that her virginity is in peril. She cries out to her friends to save her from the dreadful bee. This bee episode appears in act I. The story of Sakuntala appears in the 'Adiparva' chapter of the epic Mahabharata. â€Å"Sakuntala from the Mahabarata version is confident, outspoken and independent in nature, whereas the Sakuntala from Kalidasa's "The Recognition of Sakuntala" is displayed as quiet, immature (romantic), and dependent.† Sakuntala of Mahabharata: â€Å"The two Sakuntalas are a good example of the change in characterization of a heroine. The Sakuntala of the Mahabharata stands her ground and speaks up for her right. Kalidasa’s Sakuntala does try to argue her case, but it is not her independence or the power of her words which we remember.†(Rustomji, p.45) When Sakuntala reached the court of Dushyanta, he took a defensive posture. Rather he was trying to defend the indefensible. He pleaded with her that no one knew about their association. Dushyanta presented before Sakuntala his queer logic that women were capable of enticing men to achieve their objective and he further argued that his people would conclude that she did the same thing to trap him and demand that her son should become the crown prince, which was part of her game plan. So, Dushyanta said that he did not admit to the marriage immediately and denied any association with her. He was clearly taking the defensive position as Sakuntala could not be browbeaten by his barbs. She reminded him about his promise and put forth her demand with all the confidence and wit h adamancy. Dushyanta remembered everything but shamelessly denied knowing her or having married her in Gandharva style. In such a grim situation anybody would turn cynical. She was about to faint, but regained her composure to launch a verbal attack on Dushyanta, for which she had

World History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

World History - Essay Example The series of revolutions saw rise of the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783, leading to independence of America hence formation of the United States of America (USA) from British colonization. These revolutionary wars a protest against the tyrannical rule of the British and were led by General Washington and his army. The French Revolution also emanated during this period between 1789 and 1799 in which absolute monarchies were replaced by democracies and republics hence strengthening of France (Strayer, 2013). Although causes of the French revolution are still debatable up to date, issues revolving around taxation schemes and inequality were dominant factors. Napoleonic wars took center stage and the fall of major monarchies set stage for modern nations sparking new revolutions such as in Russia. The period between 1790 and 1804 saw the rise of Haitian Revolution leading to the independence of Haiti. Haitian Revolution is quite significant in the world history especially since it was the only slave revolution that experienced victory and led to formation of an independent state. The revolution had begun with the black African slaves who opposed the French leadership and after years of struggle defeated the French at the Battle of Vertià ¨res in 1903. All the revolutions that sprung during Atlantic Revolution period were arguably facilitated by the knowledge and need of sovereignty and freedom. As such, the revolutions were mostly orchestrated by the emergent elite group of people in the various societies that saw the need for equality and that no particular group of people deserved to be oppressed. Moreover, attempts to exert more oppression invoked the need for democratic leadership where people choose leaders from among themselves. Additionally, people realized that there was power inherent in unity and will of the people capable to change the course of leadership. For example, the French went