Kaikeyi

Research the Ramayana and explore the changes that Patel made to the narrative in her retelling. How does her version re-shape the narrative themes? In what ways is Patel’s version Subverting the Prescribed Roles of Women in a Patriarchy?

Identify the different potential antagonists of Kaikeyi. Explore how each possible antagonist contributes to Kaikeyi’s journey and her overall narrative arc.

How does Patel’s narrative engage with the idea of religion? How is religion important to the societal construction of Kaikeyi’s world? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Explore the differences between Patel’s depiction of the gods versus the goddesses in Kaikeyi. What role does gender play even among the divine in Kaikeyi and how does it contribute to the narrative tension between Destiny and Autonomy?

Examine The Complexities of Power and Leadership with reference to the characters of Kaikeyi, Dasharath, Sita, and Rama. How does Patel suggest gender informs this central theme in Kaikeyi’s world?

Kaikeyi does not experience romantic or sexual desire. How does her asexuality or aromanticism contribute to her character development? How would the addition of romance to the novel have changed Patel’s narrative? Be sure to examine all the prominent marriages present in the narrative when crafting your argument.

Examine the role of motherhood in Kaikeyi by comparing and contrasting the notable mothers in Patel’s narrative (Kaikeyi, Kaushalya, Sumitra, Kekaya).

How does Kaikeyi’s use of the Binding Plane differ from Rama’s use of his godly power for influence and control? How are they similar? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.