Bhagavad Gita

Arjuna is one of the key figures in the Bhagavad Gita. His conversation with Krishna is the main body of the text. Arjuna lacks understanding in many fields, so his attempt to learn more about theology, spirituality, and the universe helps the audience to understand these concepts. Arjuna’s inquisitive approach means that he functions as a vessel through which the audience can learn from Krishna. His role in the text is that of student. As the student, Arjuna allows the reader to learn alongside him.

Arjuna is also a prince and the leader of an army. He finds himself in a difficult position when he recognizes familiar faces in the opposing army just before he is about to do battle. This recognition inspires a moral conundrum. Arjuna does not know whether he can bring himself to kill anyone, yet alone members of his family. This moral quandary makes Arjuna a more sympathetic figure. His moment of doubt shows that he is not a ruthless killer. He is not a warlord bent on destruction and seizing the kingdom. Arjuna is actually a reflective, moral person who has doubts about his actions and wants to be certain that what he is doing is right.