The Function of similes within the Ramayaoa and Mahabharata: parallel features and differences between the two Sanskrit Epics
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Date
2008Author
Cosi, Vita Antonella
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Abstract
The present thesis examines the role of similes within the Sanskrit Epics.
Acknowledging the fact that, as a product of an oral tradition, both Epics display
upamas which do not fulfil any specific function within the narrative, but are merely
employed as “line-fillers”, this research investigates similes employed with a specific
purpose within the texts. The methodology employed is the contextual analysis of
passages drawn from both Epics: similes occurring within each section are translated
and taken into account in the immediate context in which they occur. The current
research suggests the following arguments:
· That the range of similes employed within a passage is chosen according to the
subject-matter of the passage, thus implying a connection between the subjectmatter
and the ranges of upamanas employed.
· That the similes often fulfil more than one purpose at a time: a secondary
function often occurs when similes appear in sequences.
· That each Epic displays comparisons whose function is specific to that Epic.
· That Mahabharata and Ramayaoa display comparisons fulfilling a similar
function when occurring in similar contexts.
Comparisons are generally employed by the bard in order to draw the audience's
focus on a particular moment within the narrative: the analysis of similarities and
differences between the function of comparisons featured in each Epic suggests a
more central role of similes within the non-verbal dialogue between the bard and the
audience.