Ratnavali
on Goodreads (85)
What’s inside...
Ratnavali is a Telugu play written by Gurajada Apparao, exploring themes of love, marriage, and societal norms through the life of Ratnavali, a woman of beauty and virtue. The play critiques rigid social structures and advocates for women's empowerment. A second story, set in the 7th century, involves King Udayana, who is torn between his love for Ratnavali and his duty to his queen, Vasavadatta. With the help of friends and talking birds, the play reveals the complexities of palace life and romance. King Udayana faces a dilemma between his love for Ratnavali and his commitment to Queen Vasavadatta. The play depicts the subtle intricacies of palace life with the assistance of wise statesmen, loyal friends, and talking birds, as crafted by the 7th century poet-king Harsha of Kanauj.
Age
12-14
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Ratnavali felt when she embarked on her adventure? What would you feel in her place?
What are some of the challenges Ratnavali faces and how does she overcome them? Can you think of a time you faced a challenge and overcame it?
Ratnavali meets many characters along her journey. Which character did you find most interesting and why?
What lessons do you think Ratnavali learned by the end of the story? Have you learned similar lessons in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Ratnavali’s shoes, fostering empathy and deepening their understanding of the character’s emotions and choices.
Discuss the problem-solving aspects of the story, relating them to real-life situations your child might encounter. This can help them apply literary lessons to their own experiences.
Highlight the characteristics of various characters in the story, and ask your child who they resonate most with and why, to encourage personal connection with the narrative.
Wrap up the discussion by asking your child about the lessons learned and how they might act differently in their own life, reinforcing the educational value of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Ratnavali', the protagonist learns the value of being truthful and the consequences of deceit.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing honesty in their daily interactions and understanding that trust is built through truthfulness.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The characters in the book face various challenges but learn that persistence and determination lead to success.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to persist through difficulties in school or in learning new skills, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout 'Ratnavali', characters develop deeper emotional connections by understanding others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be considerate and empathetic towards their friends and family members, improving their social interactions.
Example Lesson: The strength of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases how friendships can provide support and help overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to nurture friendships and recognize how valuable friends can be in their lives.
Example Lesson: Respect for others
Explanation: Respect is a consistent theme in the book, where characters learn the importance of respecting others regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in school or at play, ensuring they treat everyone with respect and dignity.