Rama and Sita
The Ramayana was unlike all the text in the great works class because of its religious significance. To truly understand it, one most first understand Hinduism and the purpose of the story as it fits into that context. The religion is not as organically unified as the name suggests and is rather different depending on region in India. It is very hierarchical giving each follower a place or caste. But like most religions the religious text crucial to following its laws were privatized to certain groups. Vedas were only read by priest and the Upanishads were delegated for the elite. Hindu knowledge meant for the people were made in the form of epics. These epics were easy to follow, remember, and recite.
With that in mind, it is easy to understand why Rama is painted so heroically in the story. He is Hinduism reversion of Jesus Christ, literally meaning the perfect man. While he obeys all orders set by his father and defends and rejects the virtue of his wife an ideal standard is set. Sita staying by her husband against all odds even in his mistrust is the most whimsical rendition of unconditional love. Rama is a manifestation of the god Vishnu and Sita of the goddess Lakshmi while on earth they are still divine. This fact justifies both characters making this epic not just a literary tale but a recount of the Gods themselves.
