Reading Notes: Week 2 Anthology

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One of my favorite stories from the Jatakas was of "The Monkey Who Gathered Lotuses" which was from Tayodhamma Jataka in The Jatakas: Volume 1 and was translated by Robert Chalmers.

Plot Notes: 

  • One of the major plot twists I wasn't expecting was of the ogre's helpfulness. I was expecting the ogre to try to hinder Brahmadatta and stop him from taking the lotuses, which would force the young monkey to prove his strength and kill the ogre. Instead, the monkey's virtuous traits persuaded the ogre to assist him.
  • It's essential to the plot that the character's traits and virtues stay the same, as it highlights Brahmadatta's superiority over Devadata and the importance of valor, resourcefulness, and dexterity. A re-telling of the story could be done in a different environment with different characters but with the same central conflict. Devadata needs to be fearful of Brahmadatta's capabilities and should attempt to sabotage him. This plan needs to backfire through Brahmadatta's quick thinking and creativity, and the central "obstacle" that should defeat him can instead support the protagonist.

Style Notes:

  • A common style with all of the short stories is the rapid world-building, character introduction, and explanation of the major conflict. Within the first two paragraphs, we learn of Devadata as the lord of the monkeys and Brahmadatta as a young, strong monkey and the son of the lord. We know that these monkeys live at the foot of a mountain, and we learn of the central conflict since Devadata is fearful of his sons overthrowing him and gelds his male offspring, but Brahmadatta escapes his father.
  • The protagonist is described in a limited capacity, with their actions often highlighting their admirable traits. For example, Brahmadatta is described with "marvelous strength" but his resourcefulness and bravery are shown later through his actions.
  •  The action writing is smooth and reflects the ease Brahmadatta leaps for the lotuses. By plucking them mid-jump, without stepping into the ogre's domain, and avoiding any slip-ups, the feat proves the protagonist's dexterity; the deliberate word choice of "plucking" rather than "removing" reaffirms this trait.
  •  The dialogue within the story was concise but not modern and lacks the natural feel of a conversation. If the story is re-told, it's important to adjust the dialogue and get a better flow
 

 A white lotus. Source: PixaBay

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