Instruction
ENGL 212.WD42 Spring 2021
Assignment for Response 1 (8 points)
Due by 11:59 pm Friday, March 5. Upload to relevant link as a single Word file.
No rewrites. No late papers.
Directions, read carefully: Write a short, but specific paper – about 2 pages – answering all aspects of the
questions below. Use MLA formatting in all particulars; include a Works Cited (not part of the page
count). Revise, edit, and proofread your paper. Carefully review the policies on academic integrity and on
the use of secondary sources in the syllabus before you hand in your work.
In order to write your response paper, you will need to complete a careful reading of The Ramayana of
Valmiki and of the material in Week 4 from the British Library, as below:
1. The Ramayana of Valmiki, assigned portions (pages 621 to 669 in volume 1 of The Norton
Anthology of World Literature);
2. Links to the British Library in the materials from Week 4 in Blackboard.
You may NOT use any other sources!
Write a response in which you address the following in your own words. Paraphrase properly, quote
sparingly, and explain your understanding of the quoted material. Include in-text citations as needed.
1. In one to two full paragraphs, explain two main ideas from the background material on The
Ramayana from the British Library and how they helped you understand the excerpts from The
Ramayana.
2. In about two full paragraphs, explain how you understand the relationship between Rāma and
Sītā, with specific reference to her accompanying him into the forest and their interaction after
she is rescued from being captured by Rāvana.
3. Select, copy, and cite one brief passage from The Ramayana that strikes you as interesting or
significant. In two full paragraphs explain your understanding of that passage and why you think it
is important.