Wikipedia Trails: From Karna to Margaret Jones

Wikipedia Trails: From Karna to Margaret Jones

I started off the trail with a character from the Mahabharata, Karna. I was curious about knowing more about Karna because he is one of those characters that made me question if he is really a hero or an anti-villain in the epic. I felt like I needed to do more research on him to decide what I wanted to categorize him as.

From the Karna article, I was led to the article about the University of Cambridge. I've always had an interest in Cambridge mostly because of my fascination with England. I've always wanted to go to England and know how universities across the pond are. I got to learn quite a bit of the history of this university through the Wikipedia page. 

Next, I went to the page of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. I felt curious about this because this is one of the topics from any US history class I've had that has always been really interesting to me. I love knowing the history behind early settlements such as the first 13 Colonies. 

Finally, from the last article I went an article about Margaret Jones. She was a Puritan wife that was the first person to be executed for witchcraft in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during the witch hunt. I thought this would be cool to read about because I've alway had an interest in the Salem Witch Trials. This was the first time I saw anything about a witch hunt on the other side of the country so naturally I was curious. 

Courtyard view of the Peterhouse College at the University of Cambridge. Source: Wikimedia. 

Tech Tip: Adding a Video

Tech Tip: Adding a Video

During this week, I made some more revisions to my portfolio story and I decided to add a video to it. I found a video that had the war theme music that was used in the exact same fight sequence in the tv show, Mahabharat, on the Star Plus. I thought it would be perfectly because my story, What Arjuna and Karna Were Really Thinking, is about the major battle they had that ended with Karna's death. I also put a little note to play it while reading my story for a more optimal experience. 

Reading Notes: Epified, Part B

Epified: Mahabharata

Epified. Source: Viki.

For the second reading of this week, I continued watching the Epified videos. I was actually more eager to watch these because these videos are when the main characters of this epic, such as Karna and the Pandavas, are all introduced. 

The Epified version definitely has some differences than the PDE version. One difference that I saw was how Karna came to be. In the PDE chapter, Kunti and Her Son, it said that secretly and in time Kunti became pregnant with Karna. In the Epified version, it made it seem like Kunti magically got Karna instantly by hugging the Sun God, Surya. 

Another thing that I was slightly confused about was in the Ekalavya chapter, where Drona demands a reward from Ekalavya because Drona is his teacher. I thought it was weird that Drona would ask for  his right thumb. In the Epified version though, it all made more sense. It is called "guru dakshina." This means that the student repays the teacher/guru in some way. In the PDE version, there isn't more to the story about Ekalavya except that he went back to the arrow shooting contest. However, in the Epified version, the story is more expanded and you can see Drona's emotions and how he felt about making Ekalavya sever his thumb. 

Overall, I'm enjoying watching these videos because it gives more insight into emotions and perspectives of all the characters than the other readings. 

Reading Notes: Epified, Part A

Epified: Mahabharata

Epified Source: Viki.

For this week's Mahabharata reading, I decided to watch the videos option instead of doing more reading. I watched the videos for the Part A portion. I really liked watching the videos because the illustrations were being drawn right as the narrator was speaking. This made it very easy to follow. Plus, I am a visual person so I was able to understand the story much more easily this way.

In the PDE version of the Mahabharata, it's also pretty easy to follow but there was definitely somethings that I couldn't fully grasp. Such as, the differences between the sons of Vyasa. They're characteristics are briefly mentioned when they are first introduced. In the Epified version, they are all characterized and drawn distinctly so the reader/watcher can easily tell the difference.

I think for anyone who is also a visual learner like me, they should try watching these videos. They are short and straight to the point. They use simple language as well so it's easy to understand.

Week 8 Progress

Looking back at everything I've done this semester for this class, I have to be honest and say I'm not completely happy with it all. I think I definitely can do a lot better if I had put in more time and effort. Unfortunately, I couldn't find time for the longest time but now I think I can work out some time for this class. I think the one assignment that takes the most of my time is the storytelling. It took me a while to even think of an idea for my first story. I'm not a good writer so unlike when writers get "writer's block" sometime, I usually get that all the time.

I definitely enjoy the readings. I've especially enjoyed the Mahabharata ones because my mom used to tell me stories growing up and all of the books were in Hindi or Gujarati, but now I can read them myself so it's been really fun. I'm excited for more readings in the next few weeks.

I think I have a pretty good schedule down for when I should do my readings so I can have ample time to focus on my story for the week. I need to avoid procrastinating and putting it off till the end/due date. I want to see my progress just go up from this point on.

Need to see some progress. Source: Pixabay.

Week 8 Comments and Feedback

I love the feedback that I've been getting from everyone! It's nice to know what other people think of your writing because most people are either like "oh, my writing isn't good" or like "oh, my writing is so good" and the feedback they get from people can be so surprising. I like the comments I get back on reading notes from people that tell me that they like the way I do notes or that they find it interesting because it's different from their own style. I used to think my style was weird but now, not so much.

I have been behind on the whole giving feedback process so I need to pick up on that. I hope I will be able to give people good feedback that will help them in their writing.

Giving Feedback. Source: Public Domain Pictures.

Week 8 Reading and Writing

The Pandavas and Draupadi. Source: Wikimedia.

Firstly, I can't believe we're already halfway through the semester. It honestly feels like it's been at least 12 weeks, not 8.

It definitely took me a while to get a good schedule down for this class. I tried different techniques but I think I have a good schedule down now. I hope my progress in this class will keep getting better.

I'm pretty happy with my blog and project website. I think I have a pretty good theme going on in both. I might decide to change it later on, but for now I'm pretty content with how they both look.

I enjoyed reading Mahabharata the most because that was the one epic my mom has told me a lot about. I grew up listening to her tell me what happened in the Mahabharata because I couldn't really read in Hindi or Gujarati so I liked that I finally got a chance to read it myself. I think the best thing I've written so far is my Arjuna and Karna story. I consider it an accomplishment because I got that written in record time. It usually takes me a good few hours to write a story but this one literally took me about half an hour. The idea just came to me so quick, so writing the story itself was pretty quick too. I haven't really followed my reading notes exactly even though I know I should. I think I've picked up ideas and used notes from different weeks to put together a story so I'm not completely bad at not using the notes. I definitely need to take better reading notes though.

Overall, I'm happy with how this class is going, and I'm excited to for the next few weeks.

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The Tales of Karna and Kunti

Week 7 Story: What Arjuna and Karna Were Really Thinking

*I have updated this story and the newer version can be found listed under Inner Thoughts on my website. 

Arjun and Karan battle. Source: Wikimedia. 

Arjuna’s POV

Arjuna watched as his brother Karna stepped onto the battlefield, bow at the ready. “Look at his stupid face,” thought Arjuna. 

He looked around at all of his soldiers and his brother’s soldiers to see them all watching. He knew in that moment. He knew this was going to be the last fight. The winner though, that he didn’t know. He wasn’t sure who was going to come out victorious in the end but he knew he was going to give his all. So slowly, he started making his way onto the battlefield. 

“I have to win this fight. If Karna beats me, my soldiers are going to make fun of me. Bhima is going to crush me to death. Literally crush me to death,” thought Arjuna.

As he took his place on his chariot, he looked up to see Karna staring at him.

Karna’s POV

“Oh brother, you are so going down today,” thought Karna. “There is no way I’m losing to my little brother.” 

Karna couldn’t help but cringe when he saw his brother. He looked like a fly and a fly Karna so badly want to smash. 

He began shooting arrows at Arjuna, hoping one of them would pierce him in the heart. His arrows were hitting Arjuna spot on and he knew from the way Arjuna reacted that they were stinging like snakes. 

Arjuna’s POV

“Bloody hell! These arrows are stinging so badly. Karna is getting it now.” He set off his own set of arrows and they it looked like a rain shower of arrows had descended on Karna. 

Arjuna felt his bow snap and knew he was in trouble. “Stop, Karna! You can’t attack me like this. You know that’s against the rules.” But from the look on Karna’s face, he knew his brother didn’t care.

Karna’s POV

“HAHA you little brat. That’s what you get,” thought Karna. He continued to shoot arrows at Arjuna until he knew he was gravely injured.

However, he saw Arjuna get up and restring his bow, and his brother did not look too happy. But Karna wasn’t scared. As he was about to send another set of arrows on Arjuna, he felt his chariot sink into the ground.  

“Oh no. No no no!” cried Karna. “Stop, Arjuna! You can’t attack me right now.” 

Arjuna’s POV

“Oh heck no. What a hypocrite!” thought Arjuna. Before he could reply, his friend Krishna started talking.

“Karna, what you said is right, but you’re being a hypocrite you know? Didn’t you shoot arrows at Arjuna even though he was injured? Didn’t you and your soldiers surround Abhimanyu and kill him brutally?” asked Krishna.

As he heard his son’s name, Arjuna felt the rage he had subdued rise again and he snatched his bow. He looked at Karna with all the rage he had and let the crescent-bladed arrow go.”

He saw his brother’s head fall off his shoulders, and in that moment all he could think of was his son. 

“That was for my son. Rest in peace, Karna. You won’t be missed.”

Bibliography

Arjuna and Karna. Indian Myth and Legend. Donald A. Mackenzie.

Reading Notes: Karna and Indra, Part C

Karna and Indra

from Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita.

Indra giving the dart, Vasava, to Karna. Source: Wikipedia.

• Plot: Indra saw that Karna wore natural armor and earrings and became anxious for Arjuna's protection. He knew one of the two, Karna and Arjuna, were going to defeat the other. He goes to Karna disguised as a brahmin, and tries to coerce him into giving up his natural armor and earrings. Karna denies to give it to him and repeatedly says that the armor and earrings are a part of him. Eventually, he says to the brahmin "give me something in exchange for my earrings and armor." Indra says "I will give you anything except the thunderbolt." Karna then asks for an invincible dart in exchange. Indra agrees and gives him Vasasa, a dart. He explains to Karna that it will hit just one powerful foe. Indra leaves, content that he got the armor and earrings. He spreads the news about what he did, however no one knew about the arrow of death that was given to Karna.
• This story reminds me of the Disney movie Hercules. Towards the end of the movie, Zeus tries to convince Hercules to stay on Olympus with him and Hera and be a god. Hercules decides to keep his life on Earth and remain as he is. I can maybe write a story of this movie plot and mix it up a little with this story of Indra and Karna.
• Indra reminds me of Zeus.
• Karna reminds of Hercules.
• When Indra tries to convince Karna to give him the armor and earrings just like Zeus tries to convince Hercules to stay. 
• Hercules doesn't give in to the offer but Karna does in exchange for something so maybe I can add in my own twist to this.

Readings Notes: Arjuna and Karna, Part D

Arjuna and Karna

from Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie.

Arjuna beheads Karna. Source: Wikipedia.

• Plot: Arjuna and Karna are facing each other in battle. They are throwing arrows each other while Krishna and Shalya guide the chariots. The arrows they were hitting each other with were deadly. At one point, Arjuna's bowstring severed after being struck. He tells Karna to stop because the rules of battle state that you can't attack a disabled foe. Karna however doesn't listen and proceeds to shower arrows on Arjuna. When Arjuna had restrung his bow in his rage, he shot many arrows at Karna. A wheel on Karna's chariot sank into the ground and Shalya couldn't control the horses to go forward. Karna calls out to Arjuna to stop and not fight because he can't attack a helpless enemy. Krishna interjects and tells Karna how hypocritical it was of him to say that when Karna attacked Arjuna when he was helpless and how Karna and his soldiers had murdered Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu. When Arjuna heard his son's name, he was filled with rage and he shot his arrow straight at Karna, severing his head. In the end, a brother had fallen by a brother's hand.
• Strong points: 
• The figurative language when describing when the arrows were shot
• "The arrows of Arjuna fell upon Karna like to summer rain."
• "Karna's arrows were like stinging snakes and they drank blood."
• The figurative language when describing Arjuna's rage.
• "Rose up like a stricken and angry tiger held at bay"
• I think for a story based on this chapter, I could extend the ending and show it from Karna's point of view up till the point where he is beheaded.
• I can maybe have something like his soul leaving the body and him looking down at his severed head and body, and show the emotions he's going through.