Jason-Ghosh-4/27

The article seems to emphasize the two major ways Krishna is generally understood by, the historical and the mythical. In the mythical context, Krishna is a trickster. By comparison, the author of the article discusses how it has been suggested that this Krishna, the one of myth, is not necessarily a great role model for a society primarily because Krishna’s attributes and character do not stress societal controls and the importance of social and political institutions to govern people and their actions. Also, this mythical Krishna does not really “stack up” to figures like Mohammad or Jesus. Krishna instead seems “immature.” But on the other hand the “historical” Krishna seems to be essentially the opposite of the mythical one. The historical Krishna seems to have performed important acts that encouraged and later brought about an important victory in war.

            In terms of what this information brings to the book, I think it might shed some light on Nob Kissin’s character and the nature of his religious faith. Kissin’s religious devotion seems to have two sides to it in the way representations of Krishna do. Kissin is in some ways conniving and tricky, he’ll do what he needs to in order to get what he wants in terms of the realization of his religious goals. But he’s also wise (perhaps for the same reasons), he brings the Paulette her locket back, perhaps symbolizing the duality of his religious nature. He’ll give as a sign of good-will, but also take in order to better assure the success of his plans.