Sita Sings the Blues

In the film, Sita Sings the Blues, a beautiful Indian tale is presented and the idea that it is a myth being is apparent. However, defining the type of myth may not be as simple as placing one single label on it as there are many aspects to consider.

The first impression one would get from the film is that it is a myth of heroism. The story follows the love of Rama and Sita. After he is banished by his father, at the encouragement of his wife, Sita follows him into the woods. There they remain until she is kidnapped by Ravana, who hears of her beauty and wants her for himself. It is here that the audience sees Rama as a hero because he goes through great lengths with Hunaman to save her. The idea of the hero saving the damsel in distress is so blatantly obvious, yet the issue comes when he later puts that same woman through the fire test to prove her fidelity and later banishes her even when she is pregnant. This goes against many of the ideas we have of a hero being a “good” character. On the other hand, although Sita does not defeat a main antagonist, she can be considered a hero for persevering through the many doubts that Rama has about her purity and love. In a more modern twist she can be seen as a hero because she was a single mother who raised her sons to love their father without any bitterness even after all that he did to her.  

As strong as the argument for a heroic myth is, there is also a strong sense that it is a myth reflective of social order and cultural values. The concept of purity is emphasized numerous times. When Sita is kidnapped her purity is called into question. It is her dedication to her husband that prevents her from doing anything with Ravana. However, despite her word her purity is questioned time and time again, forcing her to prove herself with a fire test and eventually asking mother earth to swallow her up. She remained faithful to her husband despite all his doubts and the talk of the people. She knew how important the concept of purity was to Rama and her culture and so she held it in the highest regard.

In the end while Sita Sings the Blues may not be easily categorized as one type of myth or another it remains a beautiful narrative reminding those who see it to cherish what they have before they lose it to their doubts and fears.