Hey Madison. I first wanted to comment about the title of your story. I really liked the title, "Rama Strays". It easily caught my attention and made me want to know what had caused Rama to stray and how that could affect him and the people around him. Your story in general was great. During the story I kept interested and wanted to learn more, not knowing what was going to happen between Rama and Shurpanakha. I liked how you changed up the story. It was great seeing the crafty Shurpanakha be more lowkey and use magic abilities to cast a spell on Rama. When I was reading I thought Rama was actually falling for Shurpanakha, I was like finally Shurpanakha is going to get the happy ending she deserves (well she does not really deserve it), but in my mind she does. I wanted to talk about your Sita next. Your Sita was oblivious to the signs of infatuation Rama had for Shurpanakha. However, I really was surprised when Sita picked up that arrow and instantly killed Shurpanakha with no mercy. Both Sita and Lakshmana saved Rama, which I like better than Rama saving everyone else. Overall great job on your story!
Hi Madison so far your portfolio is looking great. I just read you story Rama Strays. I especially enjoyed reading all the dialogue that happens between the characters you have incorporated into your story. Dialogue in something I want to get better at incorporating into stories of my own. I bet Sita was quit confused at the way Rama was acting. I am glad that Rama was set free from the spell of Shurpanakha, Rama belongs with Sita. Shurpankha sure is convincing though when Rama runs into her in the forest. If Shurpankha could have a word on this story she would thank you for writing such a good script for her. The way your write her convincing words is fluent and perfectly fit her character. Overall your story is looking great! I am looking forward to reading more of your stories in the coming weeks! Keep up the great work Madison!
I love the overall layout of your portfolio! I am a sucker for things aesthetically pleasing, and I feel like you have a great sense of creativity. The story of Rama and Shurpanaka is one of my favorites. I thought you did a fabulous job at twisting the original to make it your own. It was kind of surprising see how trusting Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana were in your story. I really liked it because it showed that no one is exempt from being vulnerable. I also like how Shurpanaka put a spell on Rama! That really drew me in as a reader. I think it was unique that you made her put a spell on Rama, as opposed to a curse like most of the Indian Epics stories involve . A curse seems like it would have long lasting and harsh effects, while I picture a spell as momentarily. I think this was perfect because it showed Rama could not be enticed forever. After all, he is one of the greatest of all time! Since Shurpanaka melted into the soil as a weed, it would be intriguing for her to later pop up in the story as a weed in Rama's journey. Overall, I think you did a great job and look forward to reading more from you!
Hey Madison, first off, I am glad you put in effort to the design of your portfolio because when people like myself look at it, it becomes more intriguing to want to read because it is nicely organized and interesting! Second, I really enjoyed reading Rama Strays because I think it had a great deal of specific dialogue between the characters, and I enjoy when it is more personal between the characters because I think I become more invested in the story line as it progresses. I think your ending of Sita becoming sort of heartless and blatantly killing Surpanakha was definitely something that added to the plot of the story and to Sita's overall character as well. I like seeing other characters throughout the Epics to have main plot lines, as it seems Rama is always the star of the show, so I enjoyed women characters coming through more noticeably here. Overall I really enjoyed the story and thought you did a great job so far.
Hey Madison, I really liked your take on this story! Particularly I found your imagining of Shurpanakha as being a subtle temptress with the ability to unknowingly charm and seduce men to be much more captivating than the original version of the tale. I am wondering though if it would help to add some more background information on Shurpanakha to help guide readers who haven't read the original story? I thought the dialogue at the beginning did a great job of establishing her mannerisms, perhaps she could give a more grandiose introduction of herself in a way that both clues us in to her true nature and sets the trap on the traveling group! Great imagery having Shurpanakha turn into weeds (I think you accidentally put a fragment instead of a complete sentence when you talk about this, you may want to double check!) and dissolve into the soil, I think that tells a lot about the character of this evil character. I think your approach to make Sita out of the loop on Rama's spellbinding worked really well and really emphasized the skill and subtlety with which Shurpanakha uses her magic, but I feel that perhaps there should be a more definitive moment wherein Sita catches on and is thus motivated to shoot the seductress. I say this only because I think the more justification for the protagonist's actions that you give, the less empathy the reader has for the recipient of any misfortune by their hand, which in this case I think would be a good thing! Super great story, I cant wait to see what you write next!
I really enjoyed your story "Rama Strays" in which you retold the story of Rama and Shurpanakha. I think the twist you added was not only original, but very well executed, I was glued to my screen when Lakshmana woke Sita! I also think the use of magic was very believable, as like you said, magic is heavily present throughout the epic. I wonder why only Rama was put under the spell though, because if I was trying to steal some woman's man and I knew they were married, I would put a spell on the husband as well as the wife. What if Sita fell asleep due to spiked food rather than just becoming tired from eating, or while Lakshmana went to wake Sita he saw Shurpanakha using her magic to make Sita sleep/Rama lust or something of the sort. All in all, I really enjoyed this story and I can't wait to read more of your work!
I enjoyed your story very much. I also enjoyed how Rama was under a spell and could not determine for himself what was really happening. I thought you story progression was really good and it flowed well. I especially like the fact that you put so much detail into the beginning of the story that helped set the scene for the end when Sita came back to save the day. I think this story goes to show that it is sometimes easy to let our guard down and this can compromise our integrity – even the best of us. Thankfully Lakshmana and Sita were there to save the day. I wonder what would have happened if Sita had not woken up and put Rama in his place. I hope that Rama would have figured out what was going on and break the spell he was under. Overall, it was a very wonderful story!
Hi Madison, I am in love with your “Queen Draupadi” story. Like you I am tired of reading about the lead female characters of these epics being helpless and not independent, I even wrote a similar story about Sita. I am glad you mentioned that it was an easy story to write because it was easy to read as well. It flowed so easily and continued to draw me in. There are so many unanswered questions to be fulfilled in the next story. It is interesting that the people of her kingdom and those close with her have so much opinion about her romantic life. She should be the one to decide when she is ready to love again. I think it would be worth mentioning a little more about her being a queen and her duties involved with that as well as her love life. One other super small thing, in your third sentence of your authors note I got a little confused with the wording. Other than that it was an amazing story and I cant wait to here what Jatu asks even though I might already have an idea!
Hi Madison I enjoyed reading your story, Queen Draupadi. Every story I read is about love and either losing a lover or trying to get one back. I wish love could be simpler just so everyone would not have to worry so much about it, in real life and in stories. I feel sorry for Queen Draupadi losing her unmarried husband in battle. That can not be easy. I wonder how old their daughter was when Draupadi realized Tanku was never returning home. I think you did an excellent job with this story though. I like how you left it on a cliff hanger too. I just hope you finish the story so I can come back and read it to see what happened to their daughter, Tanaka. If I had to guess Lord Jatu is going to want something very unreasonable but no matter what the request is I believe Draupadi will do it. The love for her daughter and Tanku will overcome her and she wont be able to say no to anything. Maybe I am wrong but I am looking forward to the second story! Again I enjoyed reading your story!
I just finished reading your story "Queen Draupadi" and I really enjoyed your take on it. Most of the exposure Draupadi has had in our class so far is being the love interest of the Pandavas, or being the target of Duryodhana's attacks. I felt that your take on Draupadi was original and refreshing. I wonder what would happen if Draupadi refused Jatu's request? What if you told an alternate story to the one we are used to and show what life for Draupadi would be like if she never married the Pandavas? Maybe her and her daughter would have to fight their own war or save their own kingdom without the help of the pandavas? Either way, whichever direction you choose to go with for this story will be really interesting, as it gives us a fresh take on a beloved character who hasn't had their character explored much in the original story
Hi Madison! I enjoyed your take on the story from the Ramayana in "Rama Strays". I especially liked how you made Sita the 'vanquisher' in the tale, as she took the bow and slayed Shurpanakha. I was surprised that you decided to turn Shurpanakha into a weed in the end, but I understood why you did from your Author's Note. It's interesting that you don't like to leave any open ends when destroying evil, and so I want to see what you do with that in Draupadi's story, when you continue with her fight to get her daughter back from Jatu. I was actually wondering who Lord Jatu was at the end, as you didn't really mention it in your Author's Note. Is he in the version of the Mahabharata that you read? Did you create him as a character? Also, is the story of Draupadi's daughter part of one version or did you create this as well? I liked the story of her having another daughter, but I think you could explain some of these elements a bit in your Author's Note. It might help enhance the story for readers who don't know this version of Draupadi. I'm looking forward to where you go with the story of Draupadi you've included!
Cool story, Madison. You perfectly put in the sense of foreboding that the introduction of Shurpanakha gave, and tied it in nicely to the actual reveal. I liked how, this time, Rama's integrity was tested. It seems like in the Ramayana there were only doubts about Sita's loyalty, but surely Rama, the famous hero would have women falling for him and at least be somewhat tempted as well (which, in this story, he is!).
"Queen Draupadi" definitely put her in a new light. No longer is she just a prize to be won and wedded off, but she's the strong queen of her own nation. But she's also caring, willing to marry some guy to save her daughter. And the sweet revenge she got in part 2...satisfying. I noticed a few typos in the second part though: "rightful air to the throne" - air should be heir; "bare his child" - bare should be bear; and when you say Jatu was a "heftier fella," it kind of breaks the immersion I had in the story because of the change in tone. Great stories! Hope to read more from you in the future.
Hi Madison! First off, I love the layout of your portfolio. It is such a clean, sleek design, and the images and layouts are well chosen. It might be helpful to add a link to your comment wall on the homepage; I had trouble finding a link to it. I read your stories about Draupadi and really enjoyed your take on her character! It was also very cool to see her and her father scheming together; the relationships between fathers and daughters seem to be almost non-existent in the Indian texts we have read, so to see them working together as a dynamic duo was very unique. A few comments: -"was awoke" should be "was awoken" -"not only not find him physically attractive" is a bit clunky; perhaps rephrase this to say something like "not only did she find him repulsive" -I'm not sure a priest would have been the officiating member of a wedding in ancient India... Overall, great job!
First things first, I would like to discuss your portfolio website. I thought the overall layout and design of the website was great. However, I thought the navigation could be improved. I would suggest that since there are only four pages on your website, that there is not really a need for a dropdown bar, but I also understand that you may have specific reasons of your own for having it that way. I also noticed that there was not link to your comment wall on your portfolio website, so I would also recommend adding that link on the home page. It is no fun having to hunt a comment wall down. Overall, I thought that your website looked very nice and eye appealing.
Now to discuss your writing. I thought your written works were great. I loved how all your stories correlated to each other. I also thought I was cool that you kept with the theme of rewriting the Indian Epics rather than completely creating a new story. I think that it makes your portfolio unique. Other than maybe rereading over your stories to catch any missed typos, I do not have any other suggestions for your written works. Overall, I enjoyed reading your stories.
Hey Madison! Your project is looking really nice. It is aesthetically pleasing and the pictures you use suit the website well. I would like to note that finding the comment was was a struggle. I went in circles trying to find it. Maybe put it on the home page or at the bottom of each story. Other than that the website looks good and is laid out well. I think your author's note could have a lot more detail. I read "Rama Strays." I think you should have mentioned who Shurpanakha is. Some people may not have read this story. Overall you did great. This story reminded me of the love potion in Harry Potter.
I love your retelling of the story with Shurpanakha. I did a similar story in my portfolio but I painted Shurpa as more of a seductress. Your story comes off as if Shurpa is a witch and I like to read it that way. They fact that Shurpa just dissolves into the ground at this end if funny and perfect, she's such a weak person except for her magic and when that's broken she's forced to flee, especially when faced with the wrath of what Sita could do to her. It almost reads as if Shurpa was killed by Sita's rage! It's cool that Sits isn't mad at Rama but instead knows what's up with Shurpa. In the original I believe Rama isn't phased by Shurpa, I like how your twist to the story includes that he was, even if it's a spell the whole time. This also reminds me of the love potion in Harry Potter haha
Hi Madison! I read your story titled "Draupadi Seeks Revenge," and really enjoyed it. Placing the poison on the food reminded me of the scene in Ocean's 8 when they place a chemical on the food to give Ann Hathaway food poisoning. I also liked how you brought her father into the situation because I feel like any father would be happy to help their daughter out of an unfortunate situation. I like how this story was also a continuation on Draupadi and the struggles she is facing. It is very unfortunate she was used as a puppet and her daughter was held over her head.
Hey Madison. I first wanted to comment about the title of your story. I really liked the title, "Rama Strays". It easily caught my attention and made me want to know what had caused Rama to stray and how that could affect him and the people around him. Your story in general was great. During the story I kept interested and wanted to learn more, not knowing what was going to happen between Rama and Shurpanakha. I liked how you changed up the story. It was great seeing the crafty Shurpanakha be more lowkey and use magic abilities to cast a spell on Rama. When I was reading I thought Rama was actually falling for Shurpanakha, I was like finally Shurpanakha is going to get the happy ending she deserves (well she does not really deserve it), but in my mind she does.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to talk about your Sita next. Your Sita was oblivious to the signs of infatuation Rama had for Shurpanakha. However, I really was surprised when Sita picked up that arrow and instantly killed Shurpanakha with no mercy. Both Sita and Lakshmana saved Rama, which I like better than Rama saving everyone else. Overall great job on your story!
Hi Madison so far your portfolio is looking great. I just read you story Rama Strays. I especially enjoyed reading all the dialogue that happens between the characters you have incorporated into your story. Dialogue in something I want to get better at incorporating into stories of my own. I bet Sita was quit confused at the way Rama was acting. I am glad that Rama was set free from the spell of Shurpanakha, Rama belongs with Sita. Shurpankha sure is convincing though when Rama runs into her in the forest. If Shurpankha could have a word on this story she would thank you for writing such a good script for her. The way your write her convincing words is fluent and perfectly fit her character. Overall your story is looking great! I am looking forward to reading more of your stories in the coming weeks! Keep up the great work Madison!
ReplyDeleteMadison,
ReplyDeleteI love the overall layout of your portfolio! I am a sucker for things aesthetically pleasing, and I feel like you have a great sense of creativity. The story of Rama and Shurpanaka is one of my favorites. I thought you did a fabulous job at twisting the original to make it your own. It was kind of surprising see how trusting Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana were in your story. I really liked it because it showed that no one is exempt from being vulnerable. I also like how Shurpanaka put a spell on Rama! That really drew me in as a reader. I think it was unique that you made her put a spell on Rama, as opposed to a curse like most of the Indian Epics stories involve . A curse seems like it would have long lasting and harsh effects, while I picture a spell as momentarily. I think this was perfect because it showed Rama could not be enticed forever. After all, he is one of the greatest of all time! Since Shurpanaka melted into the soil as a weed, it would be intriguing for her to later pop up in the story as a weed in Rama's journey. Overall, I think you did a great job and look forward to reading more from you!
Hey Madison, first off, I am glad you put in effort to the design of your portfolio because when people like myself look at it, it becomes more intriguing to want to read because it is nicely organized and interesting! Second, I really enjoyed reading Rama Strays because I think it had a great deal of specific dialogue between the characters, and I enjoy when it is more personal between the characters because I think I become more invested in the story line as it progresses. I think your ending of Sita becoming sort of heartless and blatantly killing Surpanakha was definitely something that added to the plot of the story and to Sita's overall character as well. I like seeing other characters throughout the Epics to have main plot lines, as it seems Rama is always the star of the show, so I enjoyed women characters coming through more noticeably here. Overall I really enjoyed the story and thought you did a great job so far.
ReplyDeleteHey Madison, I really liked your take on this story! Particularly I found your imagining of Shurpanakha as being a subtle temptress with the ability to unknowingly charm and seduce men to be much more captivating than the original version of the tale. I am wondering though if it would help to add some more background information on Shurpanakha to help guide readers who haven't read the original story? I thought the dialogue at the beginning did a great job of establishing her mannerisms, perhaps she could give a more grandiose introduction of herself in a way that both clues us in to her true nature and sets the trap on the traveling group! Great imagery having Shurpanakha turn into weeds (I think you accidentally put a fragment instead of a complete sentence when you talk about this, you may want to double check!) and dissolve into the soil, I think that tells a lot about the character of this evil character. I think your approach to make Sita out of the loop on Rama's spellbinding worked really well and really emphasized the skill and subtlety with which Shurpanakha uses her magic, but I feel that perhaps there should be a more definitive moment wherein Sita catches on and is thus motivated to shoot the seductress. I say this only because I think the more justification for the protagonist's actions that you give, the less empathy the reader has for the recipient of any misfortune by their hand, which in this case I think would be a good thing! Super great story, I cant wait to see what you write next!
ReplyDeleteHey Madison,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your story "Rama Strays" in which you retold the story of Rama and Shurpanakha. I think the twist you added was not only original, but very well executed, I was glued to my screen when Lakshmana woke Sita! I also think the use of magic was very believable, as like you said, magic is heavily present throughout the epic. I wonder why only Rama was put under the spell though, because if I was trying to steal some woman's man and I knew they were married, I would put a spell on the husband as well as the wife. What if Sita fell asleep due to spiked food rather than just becoming tired from eating, or while Lakshmana went to wake Sita he saw Shurpanakha using her magic to make Sita sleep/Rama lust or something of the sort. All in all, I really enjoyed this story and I can't wait to read more of your work!
I enjoyed your story very much. I also enjoyed how Rama was under a spell and could not determine for himself what was really happening. I thought you story progression was really good and it flowed well. I especially like the fact that you put so much detail into the beginning of the story that helped set the scene for the end when Sita came back to save the day. I think this story goes to show that it is sometimes easy to let our guard down and this can compromise our integrity – even the best of us. Thankfully Lakshmana and Sita were there to save the day. I wonder what would have happened if Sita had not woken up and put Rama in his place. I hope that Rama would have figured out what was going on and break the spell he was under. Overall, it was a very wonderful story!
ReplyDeleteHi Madison,
ReplyDeleteI am in love with your “Queen Draupadi” story. Like you I am tired of reading about the lead female characters of these epics being helpless and not independent, I even wrote a similar story about Sita. I am glad you mentioned that it was an easy story to write because it was easy to read as well. It flowed so easily and continued to draw me in. There are so many unanswered questions to be fulfilled in the next story. It is interesting that the people of her kingdom and those close with her have so much opinion about her romantic life. She should be the one to decide when she is ready to love again. I think it would be worth mentioning a little more about her being a queen and her duties involved with that as well as her love life. One other super small thing, in your third sentence of your authors note I got a little confused with the wording. Other than that it was an amazing story and I cant wait to here what Jatu asks even though I might already have an idea!
Hi Madison I enjoyed reading your story, Queen Draupadi. Every story I read is about love and either losing a lover or trying to get one back. I wish love could be simpler just so everyone would not have to worry so much about it, in real life and in stories. I feel sorry for Queen Draupadi losing her unmarried husband in battle. That can not be easy. I wonder how old their daughter was when Draupadi realized Tanku was never returning home. I think you did an excellent job with this story though. I like how you left it on a cliff hanger too. I just hope you finish the story so I can come back and read it to see what happened to their daughter, Tanaka. If I had to guess Lord Jatu is going to want something very unreasonable but no matter what the request is I believe Draupadi will do it. The love for her daughter and Tanku will overcome her and she wont be able to say no to anything. Maybe I am wrong but I am looking forward to the second story! Again I enjoyed reading your story!
ReplyDeleteHey Madison,
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading your story "Queen Draupadi" and I really enjoyed your take on it. Most of the exposure Draupadi has had in our class so far is being the love interest of the Pandavas, or being the target of Duryodhana's attacks. I felt that your take on Draupadi was original and refreshing. I wonder what would happen if Draupadi refused Jatu's request? What if you told an alternate story to the one we are used to and show what life for Draupadi would be like if she never married the Pandavas? Maybe her and her daughter would have to fight their own war or save their own kingdom without the help of the pandavas? Either way, whichever direction you choose to go with for this story will be really interesting, as it gives us a fresh take on a beloved character who hasn't had their character explored much in the original story
Hi Madison!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your take on the story from the Ramayana in "Rama Strays". I especially liked how you made Sita the 'vanquisher' in the tale, as she took the bow and slayed Shurpanakha. I was surprised that you decided to turn Shurpanakha into a weed in the end, but I understood why you did from your Author's Note. It's interesting that you don't like to leave any open ends when destroying evil, and so I want to see what you do with that in Draupadi's story, when you continue with her fight to get her daughter back from Jatu. I was actually wondering who Lord Jatu was at the end, as you didn't really mention it in your Author's Note. Is he in the version of the Mahabharata that you read? Did you create him as a character? Also, is the story of Draupadi's daughter part of one version or did you create this as well? I liked the story of her having another daughter, but I think you could explain some of these elements a bit in your Author's Note. It might help enhance the story for readers who don't know this version of Draupadi. I'm looking forward to where you go with the story of Draupadi you've included!
Cool story, Madison. You perfectly put in the sense of foreboding that the introduction of Shurpanakha gave, and tied it in nicely to the actual reveal. I liked how, this time, Rama's integrity was tested. It seems like in the Ramayana there were only doubts about Sita's loyalty, but surely Rama, the famous hero would have women falling for him and at least be somewhat tempted as well (which, in this story, he is!).
ReplyDelete"Queen Draupadi" definitely put her in a new light. No longer is she just a prize to be won and wedded off, but she's the strong queen of her own nation. But she's also caring, willing to marry some guy to save her daughter. And the sweet revenge she got in part 2...satisfying. I noticed a few typos in the second part though: "rightful air to the throne" - air should be heir; "bare his child" - bare should be bear; and when you say Jatu was a "heftier fella," it kind of breaks the immersion I had in the story because of the change in tone. Great stories! Hope to read more from you in the future.
Hi Madison!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I love the layout of your portfolio. It is such a clean, sleek design, and the images and layouts are well chosen. It might be helpful to add a link to your comment wall on the homepage; I had trouble finding a link to it.
I read your stories about Draupadi and really enjoyed your take on her character! It was also very cool to see her and her father scheming together; the relationships between fathers and daughters seem to be almost non-existent in the Indian texts we have read, so to see them working together as a dynamic duo was very unique.
A few comments:
-"was awoke" should be "was awoken"
-"not only not find him physically attractive" is a bit clunky; perhaps rephrase this to say something like "not only did she find him repulsive"
-I'm not sure a priest would have been the officiating member of a wedding in ancient India...
Overall, great job!
Howdy Madison,
ReplyDeleteFirst things first, I would like to discuss your portfolio website. I thought the overall layout and design of the website was great. However, I thought the navigation could be improved. I would suggest that since there are only four pages on your website, that there is not really a need for a dropdown bar, but I also understand that you may have specific reasons of your own for having it that way. I also noticed that there was not link to your comment wall on your portfolio website, so I would also recommend adding that link on the home page. It is no fun having to hunt a comment wall down. Overall, I thought that your website looked very nice and eye appealing.
Now to discuss your writing. I thought your written works were great. I loved how all your stories correlated to each other. I also thought I was cool that you kept with the theme of rewriting the Indian Epics rather than completely creating a new story. I think that it makes your portfolio unique. Other than maybe rereading over your stories to catch any missed typos, I do not have any other suggestions for your written works. Overall, I enjoyed reading your stories.
Hey Madison!
ReplyDeleteYour project is looking really nice. It is aesthetically pleasing and the pictures you use suit the website well. I would like to note that finding the comment was was a struggle. I went in circles trying to find it. Maybe put it on the home page or at the bottom of each story. Other than that the website looks good and is laid out well.
I think your author's note could have a lot more detail. I read "Rama Strays." I think you should have mentioned who Shurpanakha is. Some people may not have read this story. Overall you did great. This story reminded me of the love potion in Harry Potter.
I love your retelling of the story with Shurpanakha. I did a similar story in my portfolio but I painted Shurpa as more of a seductress. Your story comes off as if Shurpa is a witch and I like to read it that way. They fact that Shurpa just dissolves into the ground at this end if funny and perfect, she's such a weak person except for her magic and when that's broken she's forced to flee, especially when faced with the wrath of what Sita could do to her. It almost reads as if Shurpa was killed by Sita's rage! It's cool that Sits isn't mad at Rama but instead knows what's up with Shurpa. In the original I believe Rama isn't phased by Shurpa, I like how your twist to the story includes that he was, even if it's a spell the whole time. This also reminds me of the love potion in Harry Potter haha
ReplyDeleteHi Madison!
ReplyDeleteI read your story titled "Draupadi Seeks Revenge," and really enjoyed it. Placing the poison on the food reminded me of the scene in Ocean's 8 when they place a chemical on the food to give Ann Hathaway food poisoning. I also liked how you brought her father into the situation because I feel like any father would be happy to help their daughter out of an unfortunate situation. I like how this story was also a continuation on Draupadi and the struggles she is facing. It is very unfortunate she was used as a puppet and her daughter was held over her head.