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Questions and Answers
What material is mentioned as being used to string the bow initially taken by the protagonist?
What material is mentioned as being used to string the bow initially taken by the protagonist?
- Lacquered wood
- Leather
- Silver wire (correct)
- Silk
Which bow is described as being ancient and powerful, kept in the temple?
Which bow is described as being ancient and powerful, kept in the temple?
- Sinhahânu's bow (correct)
- The bow of the Sâkya lords
- The bow of lacquered cane
- The bow of the bison
What was the reaction of the people at home when the sound of the bow was heard?
What was the reaction of the people at home when the sound of the bow was heard?
- They feared it was a warning.
- They inquired about the sound. (correct)
- They ignored it completely.
- They rejoiced and celebrated.
What does Siddârtha do after bending Sinhahânu's bow?
What does Siddârtha do after bending Sinhahânu's bow?
What aspect of Siddârtha's character is hinted at by his actions with the bow?
What aspect of Siddârtha's character is hinted at by his actions with the bow?
What does the King suggest about love in his response?
What does the King suggest about love in his response?
What idea is presented about the festival for maidens?
What idea is presented about the festival for maidens?
What preparations do the maidens make before attending the festival?
What preparations do the maidens make before attending the festival?
What is the atmosphere noted when the maidens pass by the throne?
What is the atmosphere noted when the maidens pass by the throne?
How do the maidens physically prepare for the event?
How do the maidens physically prepare for the event?
What is suggested about the Prince's character during the festival?
What is suggested about the Prince's character during the festival?
What role do the maidens intend for the Prince to play in the festival?
What role do the maidens intend for the Prince to play in the festival?
What does the term 'barasingh' refer to in this context?
What does the term 'barasingh' refer to in this context?
What was the thickness of the Talas-tree that Devadatta clove?
What was the thickness of the Talas-tree that Devadatta clove?
Which character's blade was able to shred through both trees at one stroke?
Which character's blade was able to shred through both trees at one stroke?
What kind of horse was Kantaka described as?
What kind of horse was Kantaka described as?
What did Ardjuna do to control the fierce stallion?
What did Ardjuna do to control the fierce stallion?
What happened to the trees after Siddârtha's blade struck them?
What happened to the trees after Siddârtha's blade struck them?
How many times did the young Sâkya attempt to mount the stallion before Ardjuna succeeded?
How many times did the young Sâkya attempt to mount the stallion before Ardjuna succeeded?
What was the response of the grooms when Ardjuna subdued the stallion?
What was the response of the grooms when Ardjuna subdued the stallion?
How was the stallion described before Ardjuna attempted to ride him?
How was the stallion described before Ardjuna attempted to ride him?
What role did the chosen band serve in the context provided?
What role did the chosen band serve in the context provided?
Why were discussions of harsh realities like death or pain prohibited within the King's walls?
Why were discussions of harsh realities like death or pain prohibited within the King's walls?
What sensory elements contributed to the Prince's blissful state?
What sensory elements contributed to the Prince's blissful state?
What happened to those who mentioned the outside world's harsh realities in the court?
What happened to those who mentioned the outside world's harsh realities in the court?
What describes the atmosphere created within the King's court?
What describes the atmosphere created within the King's court?
What did Siddârtha do to calm the fierce stallion?
What did Siddârtha do to calm the fierce stallion?
How did the crowd react to Siddârtha's mastery over the horse?
How did the crowd react to Siddârtha's mastery over the horse?
What did Suprabuddha, the father of the maid, express about Siddârtha?
What did Suprabuddha, the father of the maid, express about Siddârtha?
What gesture did the Indian girl make towards Siddârtha?
What gesture did the Indian girl make towards Siddârtha?
What can be inferred about Siddârtha's character based on his interaction with the horse?
What can be inferred about Siddârtha's character based on his interaction with the horse?
What was the significance of the veil of black and gold that the girl drew across her brow?
What was the significance of the veil of black and gold that the girl drew across her brow?
What was the initial reaction of the crowd towards Siddârtha before his demonstration with the horse?
What was the initial reaction of the crowd towards Siddârtha before his demonstration with the horse?
What does Siddârtha’s ability to tame the horse suggest about his skills?
What does Siddârtha’s ability to tame the horse suggest about his skills?
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Study Notes
The Light of Asia - Book 2 Overview
- The text explores themes of love, beauty, and the pursuit of happiness within a royal context.
- The narrative presents a discussion among the King and his advisors about finding suitable companions for Siddârtha.
The King's Command
- The King suggests that love has its own criteria and cannot be dictated by external appearances.
- Advisors propose a festival to attract eligible maidens, where Siddârtha would judge beauty and grace.
The Festival Setup
- Young women from Kapilavastu gather for the festival, adorned and prepared to impress.
- The description emphasizes their beauty, including fresh grooming traditions and vibrant clothing.
Siddârtha's Strength and Skill
- Siddârtha demonstrates unmatched prowess with the bow, stringing an ancient, formidable weapon known as Sinhahânu's bow.
- His remarkable strength and skill highlight his noble lineage, setting him apart from his peers.
Competitive Spirit
- The narrative depicts various challenges where Siddârtha excels, including archery and horseback riding, distinguishing himself in physical contests.
- His ability to tame the fierce stallion showcases his exceptional character and command over nature.
Recognition of Siddârtha
- Following his victories, Siddârtha is universally acknowledged as the best among the suitors.
- Tension arises as he receives accolades and admiration from both the spectators and the eligible maidens.
Union with Yasôdhara
- A significant moment occurs when Siddârtha is crowned by a maiden who expresses her devotion, symbolizing a union of love.
- Their connection is portrayed as pure and joyful, emphasizing the bliss of youthful love.
Life in the Palace
- Siddârtha is surrounded by luxuries, including nautch girls and fragrant blossoms, fostering a life of pleasure and bliss.
- The environment is crafted to ensure happiness, with a careful avoidance of themes like death and suffering.
Isolation from Suffering
- The King enforces a strict decree to shield Siddârtha from knowledge of pain, aging, and death, reinforcing the theme of ignorance as bliss.
- Individuals showing signs of sorrow are exiled from the court, maintaining an illusion of eternal joy and beauty.
Key Themes and Motifs
- The pursuit of love through beauty and competition reveals societal values.
- The contrast between joy and suffering is highlighted, foreshadowing Siddârtha’s future quest for deeper truths.
- The role of fate and destiny is implied through the various challenges and circumstances Siddârtha faces in the narrative.
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