Are They Really Family???

The bond of a family is unlike any other. For most people, their family is the backbone for all of their decisions. The well being of their loved ones is considered before making any serious choices. I know that whenever I am having any tpe of problem my family will be there to support me. We are there for each other someone is graduating, getting married, having their fourth child, or going through financial difficulties. The bond seems to get stronger the closer you get to the parents. For example, the bond between two brothers tends to be stronger than an uncle and nephew. I am not sure if it has something to do with them having at least one biological parent in common or the fact that they probably spend alot of time together.

When I compare the stories of the Ramayana and "As You Like It," I notice that the relationship between brothers is put to the test. The story of Ramayana portrays how I feel brothers should treat each other. The exile of Rama at his stepmother's request reminds me alot of the story of Swallow. In both instances the mother figure expressed the most desire to have the children gone. "'There is no alternative,' said her mother. 'Our field is already mortgaged. We must offer her to them.'" (1006) In this instance, the mother was no thinking about the well being of her dcaughter. She was considering the health of the rest of her family, but the feelings of Swallow was not considered. The father on the other hand did show a little concern for the Swallow's future. "'But what will happen to her?' he complained in feeble misery'" (1006). The father eventually gave in to the wishes of his wife and sold his daughter.

Rama being exiled was a surprise to his younger brother, who would become King. Once Bhararta learned what his mother had done, he retreated to the forest to ritfully give up his position as King. Rama's loyality to their father permitted him to deny the offer of his younger brother. The fact that Bhararta was willing to give up his throne to his older brother shows the love that exist between the two. I am sure that the two grew up together and developed a bond that could not be broken by the evil antics of a woman. Rama and Bhararta illustrates a strong and traditional family bond.

On the other hand the story "As You Like It" shows the feud between two brothers. In this case, the younger brother, Duke Frederick, banishes his older brother, Duke Senior, into the Forest of Arden. This is not an example of a family; having the audacity to banish your older brother shows lack of respect and loyality that is engraved in families. While in the forest Duke Senior says, "Now, my co-mates and brothers in exile,

Hath not old custom made this life more sweet

Than that of painted pomp? Are not these woods

More free from peril than the envious court?" (1079)

He doesn't think very highly of his family the "envious court," which shows how the effect of being betrayed by one can family member can change your whole perception of the entire family. In essence, the family also exiled Duke Senior because they did not stand up for him against the wrath of Duke Frederick.

You can not chose the family you are born into, but you can determine the strength of the bond you have with each of your family members.