Week Ten Reading Diary: The Mahabharata, Peter Brook

Part C - Vyasa describes the life of the Pandava brothers lives while living in secrecy and the awakening of Krishna.

As Vyasa continues to tell the story to the young boy, Krishna appears and consults with Vyasa about his future.  Vyasa assures Krishna that he can change the path of his life and that nothing is ever set in stone.  People have the ability to change and live a life that possesses great spiritual awakening and health. I begin to see the story as Narayan told it in his book.  The Pandava brothers have taken on their new roles in their lives as they live incognito in king Virata’s palace. 

The Pandava Brothers

Yudhisthria has become an expert in the game of dice, and has been able to possess self control when playing the game. Out of all of the brothers, Bhima could no longer live in disguise.  Draupadi felt that her husband’s betrayed her and their lives are not what they should be.  Kichaka, the brother-in-law of king Virata challenged Draupadi.  He wanted to call her his own, and lay with her to establish their bond.

As this scene continues differences are soon recognized.  In the Narayan's version, Draupadi is molested and asks for justice to be taken.  She wanted Kichaka to be charged.  Yudhisthria stands before Draupadi with the king, and agrees with king Virata that an investigation must take place before any action can be taken against Kichaka.  Draupadi tells Bhima, and Bhima attacks Kichaka. He kills him by squeezing him to death.

In the movie, Draupadi does not go before king Virata.  Instead, she sets a trap for Kichaka.  She tells him that she will meet with him later, and become his. When she leaves Kichaka’s room after he agrees, she tells Bhima that she is disappointed in all of her husbands. She tells Bhima that he must defend her and show that he is the best husband.  Bhima hides in Kichaka’s room underneath his covers and excites him as he pretends to be Draupadi.  Bhima then reveals his true self, and kills Kichaka in the name Draupadi.

There is much poetry that is expressed in this part of the movie in comparison to part a and b. A vast majority of it is through the character of Krishna.  Krishna’s character starts to develop into a character that questions his self, and the lives of others. 

Bibliography: "The Mahabharata" directed by Peter Brook (1989)

                     " The Mahabharata" written by R.K. Narayan (1978)