This is an Online Internet Book Club on Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) by A.K. Ramanujan. Discuss this book, share your thoughts, make comments, ask questions, offer responses...
Description
Folktales from India is an enchanting collection of one hundred and ten tales translated from twenty-two different languages, by turns harrowing and comic, sardonic and allegorical, mysterious and romantic. Gods disguised as beggars and beasts; animals enacting Machiavellian intrigues: sagacious jesters and magical storytellers; wise counselors and foolish kings -- all of these inhabit a fabular world, yet one firmly grounded in everyday life. Augmented by A. K. Ramanujan's definitive introduction and notes, this is an indispensable guide to India's ageless folklore tradition.
"A truly remarkable collection...from the introduction to the explanatory notes, the entire book outstandingly demonstrates the enduring strength of Indian folklore tradition."
-- Library Journal
"The variety of subjects contributes to the richness of this fascinating book."
-- Washington Times
"A major addition to the corpus of folktales of the world."
-- Edward C. Dimock, JR.,
Chairman, American Institute of Indian Studies
"This collection of Indian folktales is unparalleled-in its scope of sources...a rich and fascinating tapestry of stories...infused with the author's unique sense of humor and sense of beauty."
-- Wendy Doniger,
author of Other People's Myths and Women, Androgynes, and Other Mythical Beasts
Book Club Questions for Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) (Fiction)
Suggested Book Club Questions for Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) (Fiction)
The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library):
- Did A.K. Ramanujan emphasize any specific themes throughout Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library)? What do you think A.K. Ramanujan is trying to explain with this theme?
- What was unique about the setting of Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) and how did it affect the storyline?
- Could you relate to any of the characters? If so, which ones and why?
- How do characters change or learn throughout Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library)? What events caused these changes? Have you or someone you know experienced the same thing?
- How does Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) reveal A.K. Ramanujan's own perspectives about people and the world? For a lively discussion, describe why you think A.K. Ramanujan is liberal or conservative.
- Did certain parts of Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) affect you emotionally? Why did it evoke those emotions?
- Did A.K. Ramanujan's point of view on things lend new perspective to your own view of the world?
Book Club Questions for Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) (for Non-Fiction)
Suggested Book Club Questions for Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) (Non-fiction)
The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library):
- Did A.K. Ramanujan make persuasive arguments in Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library)? Did Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) change or reinforce your opinion on the subject?
- What did you learn from Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library)?
- How does A.K. Ramanujan present the information and did you enjoy it?
- How is A.K. Ramanujan biased within Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library)? Is there a political slant to what is being discussed and how does it impact the book?
- What, if anything, does Folktales from India (Pantheon Fairy Tale & Folklore Library) make you want to read next? Why?
Please feel free to:
No signup needed