Week 11 Reading Notes: Alice in Wonderland Part B

The conversations with fantastical characters are made up of nonsense, jumping hastily from one topic to another, seemingly without rhyme or reason. Perhaps I could use that writing style to introduce important information through a seemingly mad character. Maybe the character will speak what seems like nonsense, but is actually important. The dormouse being asleep inspires me to write in that a security guard has fallen asleep, and that gives Aaron a moment to slip past and into uncharted territory. The Queen of Hearts inspires me to model a character from the Mind of the Six after her. Someone should be so ruthless as to rule with fear in a dystopian society. I might model a character after the Cheshire Cat, so that Aaron may have a companion that appears and disappears at random, possibly with some important information about what to do next. The trial scene makes me consider writing in a trial before the Mind of the Six. That setting could be where an important piece of plot takes place. The ending of Alice in Wonderland, the part where Alice wakes from her dream, makes me consider writing that Aaron escapes and frees all of the people of Carcera, only to wake up from a dream and find he is still being held captive there. He might search for the same door whence he escaped, only to find nothing there. Despite the very different themes and writing styles, I have produced some very useful ideas from the Alice in Wonderland story that might help me in writing my story. If anything, Alice in Wonderland inspires creativity and imagination.



Alice playing croquet with a flamingo and hedgehog, illustrated by John Tenniel, found on Wikimedia Commons, here. I chose this illustration because I found it hilarious that she would have to use a flamingo and hedgehog to play croquet. What a mad world!


Bibliography: Story of Alice in Wonderland, part B, by Lewis Carroll, found here.

Week 11 Reading Notes: Alice in Wonderland Part A

Lewis Carroll is an incredibly creative writer. He puts Alice into the wildest situations with the wildest characters, and he creates equally wild ways for her to move from place to place. Alice as a character is fun to read about. She seems so innocent and curious. She speaks very properly for such a young girl, and she speaks properly to everyone and everything she comes across. I think she represents innocence and youth, and the story continues in a way just as crazy as her imagination. I find it hard to imagine how different items keep appearing to help her change sizes, and I find it odd that they all have different effects. I like the stream of consciousness writing style Carroll uses, and it is especially enjoyable as Alice is falling down the rabbit hole. The characters make this such a bizarre world to explore. The rabbit is running late, the caterpillar is smoking, the footmen are each with a fish head or frog head, the baby is a pig, and the cheshire cat is grinning iconically as it disappears. I admire Carroll's imagination in creating such characters. It certainly does make the story feel very much like a dream. I like the way that the cheshire cat responds to Alice's question about which path she should take. Alice has no idea where she wants to go or why, and the cat is really quite unhelpful. That could be a metaphor for life. Either way she goes, Alice is bound to meet exciting characters on her adventure. 

Illustration The Caterpillar by Sir John Tenniel from the Wikimedia Commons, found here.

I thought Alice's singing a poem with the caterpillar to be an interesting part of the story.

Bibliography: Readings from the Alice In Wonderland Unit Part A, found here.

Wek 10 Storytelling: Aaron Discovers the World

Aaron had been staring at the spot above his bed for what felt like an eternity when the robotic voice boomed through the loudspeakers in the hallway. "Report to the dining quad in five minutes for first meal," the voice rang out, as it had done every morning as far back as Aaron could remember. He sat up in his bed and gave a slight jump when his feet touched the cold concrete floor. Aaron lived in Barrack 4, one of the five barracks in the city of Carcera. There was a great war that wiped out millions of people. Survivors created Carcera as the last remaining city, and the people built a large dome to protect the inhabitants. The Mind of the Six, the self-appointed city leaders, ruled with an iron fist. They controlled every aspect of life inside the dome. The Mind of the Six forced the citizens of Carcera to work long hours, and they harshly punished all dissenters. They created fiercely loyal robots to enforce their harsh laws, while they watched from the comfort of their private tower. The Mind of Six claimed that the world outside of the dome was poisonous and could not support life. The inhabitants of Carcera struggled to survive, while the Mind of the Six reaped the benefits of their hard work.
Aaron believed that the Mind of the Six were hiding something, and they were abusing their power to keep it a secret. He could remember his parents' stories of life before the war. They described the outside world as having beautiful greenery, glistening bodies of water and enormous mountains. Aaron's parents disappeared when he was young, presumably taken by the Mind of the Six. He was determined to overthrow the Mind of the Six and release the inhabitants of Carcera from their oppressive grip.
As he made his way to the dining quad, Aaron noticed a guard robot interrogating someone about their missing ID badge. He took the opportunity to disappear down the utility hallway that he had discovered a week prior. As he explored, he found an underground path that led to the outermost wall of the dome. Aaron followed the path of the wall around the city and found an old door. He opened the door and let out a loud gasp. He had found a path to the outside world.
It was beautiful. He stepped outside and inhaled deeply, halfway expecting to perish immediately. Nothing happened. He exhaled and took another breath. Again, nothing happened. This confirmed everything he thought he knew about Carcera and the Mind of the Six. Aaron could not believe it. He pinched his arm to make sure it was not a dream. Overcome with excitement, he began to run. Aaron ran at a dead sprint as long as he could, and when his lungs started burning he slowed to a stop. He turned and gazed at the walls of the dome city from outside. His happy expression turned into one of despair. "This isn't right," Aaron thought. "Someone has to... I have to do something about this." He thought about the people suffering inside the city, and he decided to bring down the Mind of the Six and set free the people of Carcera.
Aaron made his way back to the door. Before stepping back inside, he turned and gave one last awe-inspired look at the beautiful world he had just discovered. As he retraced his steps, he began devising a plan to reveal the truth about the world to the inhabitants of Carcera and bring down the Mind of the Six.
To be continued...


Photo: End of the World Prison by Louis Argerich, found on Wikimedia, here.
I chose this photo to represent the cold barrack in which our protagonist, Aaron lives.

Author's Note:  This story is greatly inspired by the tale How the Summer Came, in the American Indian Fairy Tales Unit. In How the Summer Came, all the world is cursed to live in perpetual wintertime until the hero, O-jeeg, journeys to find the way to end the perpetual winter and breaks through the sky barrier, bringing warmth and beauty back into the world. Hopefully I do not give too much away, but O-jeeg sacrifices himself to provide a beautiful world for everyone else. In this first part of my story, we follow Aaron, representative of O-jeeg, as he journeys to discover the beautiful world outside of the dome, which represents the sky O-jeeg breaks through in How the Summer Came. One of my favorite books is George Orwell's 1984, and that is where I found inspiration for describing a different type of cold world in which our characters live. If you have not read 1984, I highly recommend it! It is a great book about bravery, love and tragedy, and it is set in a dystopian future (relative to the year that Orwell wrote the book). There is so much more that I want to write that I could not possibly fit into this week's story, so stay tuned!

Bibliography: Story based off of readings from American Indian Fairy Tales, found here. Specifically, How the Summer Came, found here.

Week 10 Reading Notes: American Indian Fairy Tales Part B

Immediately I notice that these fairy tales give names and personalities to inanimate objects, and I am inspired to write a story in the same fashion. I will give everyday items like staplers and refrigerators names and personalities. Perhaps some items will be essential in helping the protagonist conquer the antagonist, who could also be an object. Like in the story How the Summer Came, I would like to put my character in a cold, lifeless environment to begin the story. He longs for something better, and he remembers how good things used to be. I like dystopian settings in stories, so maybe our antagonist is kept in a cold, emotionless oligarchical society. He is finally able to either escape or overturn the existing regime and free all of the oppressed people. I like the idea of the protagonist having to crash through a barrier or two-way mirror, like O-jeeg had to break through the sky in How the Summer Came. I also like the idea of the protagonist dying as a self-sacrifice for the good of a loved one, just like O-jeeg in How the Summer Came. Perhaps the protagonist will be a daydreamer, much like Neen-i-zu in The Fairy Bride story. That would help explain how he communicates with inanimate objects. Or he could be a magician of sorts, like O-jeeg. I really like how strong-willed Neen-i-zu is despite her mother's desire for her to be normal and marry a hunter. She followed her dreams and eventually did what made her happy. All of these stories inspire my writing for the week. I am considering a strong-willed protagonist in a cold, dystopian environment who daydreams and talks to objects or animals. He knows about the beautiful world outside of the monotone walls that are said to protect the citizens. He finds a way to save everyone and take them back to the beautiful outside world, but he loses his life in the process. Perhaps where he dies a magical tree of life will sprout.


Photo of the wall at the US-Mexico border, taken by Wonderlane and found on Flickr, here.
I chose this photo to represent the wall keeping our protagonist separated from nature in the story I am going to write. It represents oppression and unnatural disharmony.

Bibliography: Stories from American Indian Fairy Tales Unit B, found here.

Week 10 Reading Notes: American Indian Fairy Tales Part A

It is quite obvious that the north wind was disliked by Native Americans because of its tendency to hinder nature's ability to provide for people. The cold winter wind causes plants to die and animals to flee. This forced Native Americans to migrate south in order to survive. The wise storyteller Iagoo encourages children not to fear the wind because it is no match for a strong fire. In the story of Shin-ge-bis Fools the North Wind, Shin-ge-bis is not afraid of the North Wind because he is prepared and confident. I think it is a good story that teaches children not to fear nature, but to respect that there is a balance in nature.
I really enjoy the colorful description of nature and the animals. The environment is described vividly to set the tone. I think it is neat to tell a story in which all of the animals and humans are kind to each other and live in harmony. In the story of the Little Boy and Girl in the Clouds, the coyote is eager to help the humans. He also gives wise advice in looking for a solution, instead of asking how a problem came to be. The coyote is unable to retrieve the lost children, and none of the other animals are successful in that endeavor either. This story then becomes one of not judging a book by its cover and even the smallest animals can be helpful. The wee little worm is the unsuspecting hero of the story, and he returns the children home safely. Perhaps I will write a story about an unexpected hero that does not get the credit he deserves at first.
The story of the Child of the Evening Star just warms my soul in many ways. I love that the youngest, fairest daughter chooses to marry Osseo despite his appearance, but because he is pure of heart. Then he turns out to be the son of the Evening Star! Though his good fortune becomes his wife's dismay, all ends well when her beauty is restored, and they go to live among the stars. The continuing theme seems to be that good things will happen to people who are pure and good. I'd like to write about that.


The Historian by E. Irving Couse. I chose this photo to represent the importance of storytellers in Native American culture. Found on Wikimedia, here.

Bibliography: American Indian Fairy Tales by W.T. Larned, unit A, found here.

Week 9 Storytelling: Thomas and Harold

The annual Science Fair was coming up, and Jefferson Middle School was abuzz with anticipation. Thomas was one of Jefferson's most promising students, and it was rumored that he was working on building a rocket for his science project this year. He was the favorite to win the grand prize, and the teachers had a pool going, giving Thomas 5-to-1 odds to win. Thomas was soft-spoken and a little socially awkward, and this resulted in his regular subjection to bullying from Harold, a brutish numbskull. Swirlies and being stuffed into a locker had become part of Thomas' weekly routine, but he found solace in books and learning as much as he could.
Harold had gotten wind of the rumors surrounding Thomas' rocket science project, and he devised a plan to build a rocket of his own and sabotage Thomas' science experiment. A few days before the Science Fair, Harold was approaching Thomas in the hallway, and Thomas froze, expecting the worst. "Please be gentle," pleaded Thomas.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you today, " scoffed Harold. "I need you to help me with something."
"Help you?" said Thomas. "Why would I help you?"
"Listen my dad said I can't go anywhere for spring break unless I pass my next math test. I know you're good with numbers and stuff, so if you tutor me and I pass, I'll lay off the bullying, and maybe we can be friends."
Thomas sensed something was amiss. "How do I know you'll really stop pushing me around?"
Harold smiled and politely said, "I really don't mean all the mean things I say and do. I'm sorry I was so rude before. If you help me out, I think we could really get along!"
Thomas was still a little puzzled. "O-o-okay, whatever you want," he stammered.
"Good," said Harold. I'll come to your house tonight to get started." Harold proceeded to walk off down the hallway.
Thomas still had a confused look on his face. "Something's up," he said. "I don't trust that Harold."
That night Harold showed up at Thomas' house for tutoring. Before long, Harold was asking questions about Thomas' science project, and Thomas showed him where he worked on his rocket. Harold knew what he would have to do. So the following night, when he returned to Thomas' for tutoring, he asked Thomas to fetch him a glass of water. While Thomas was in the kitchen, Harold escaped to Thomas' workroom, and stole the rocket. Thomas was none the wiser, and Harold successfully pretended that nothing happened, and made his way home with his prize.
The Science Fair was held the following day, and Harold set up his exhibit with pride, ready to accept the grand prize. Thomas walked by, and Harold smirked. "Good luck today," said Thomas calmly. "I hope your rocket does well!"
Harold was utterly confused. "Why are you so happy?" said Harold. "You don't even have a rocket now! There's no way you could have made another one overnight!"
Thomas flashed a sly smile and said, "we'll see about that."
Now Harold was a bit panicky, but still certain that he would win the grand prize, and Thomas would look foolish.
Now it came time for the demonstration of the rockets. Harold All the judges gathered round as Harold set off to launch his rocket into the sky. Harold began the countdown, "Ten... nine... eight..."
He pulled out the ignition switch and hit the shiny red button as he counted "one." The crowd held their breath, but nothing happened. Harold looked at the ignition switch puzzled. He smashed the button repeatedly until, all of a sudden, the rocket let out a rising whizzing noise that climaxed with the rocket exploding into flames.
"NO!" cried Harold as the judges and onlookers all laughed.
Thomas walked up and pulled another rocket out of his backpack. "Let me show you how it's done," he said, hitting the ignition switch. In a bright flash, the rocket sped through the sky high into the clouds. The judges cheered and applauded, and Thomas was announced the winner of the Science Fair grand prize.
"How did you do it?!" Harold screamed at Thomas.
Thomas replied, "I knew something was amiss when you started asking questions about my rocket. You have never shown an interest in science before, and so I figured you were planning on sabotaging my science project. I replaced the rocket I showed you with a dummy, and I armed it to explode when you tried to launch it."
Now the judges heard what had happened, and Harold was disqualified, and made to repeat the eighth grade as his punishment. Thomas went on to become the head scientist at NASA. The End.


Photo Proton Zvezda from NASA, found on Wikimedia, here. I chose this photo because the rocket launch is the point in the story where our protagonist prevails victorious against the evil antagonist.

Author's Note: Thomas and Harold is based on the Cherokee Myths about the clever trickster rabbit and the cunning terrapin. In the stories How the Rabbit Stole the Otter's Coat and Why the Possum's Tail is Bare the rabbit is depicted as a thief who tricks other animals with his cunning and wit. In the story of How the Terrapin Beat the Rabbit, however, the terrapin (tortoise) uses his wit to trick the rabbit into thinking he'd lost a race. In a true underdog tail, the tortoise outwits the clever hare. I modeled my modern-day take of a science fair conspiracy after these characters and events. I got the idea for the Science Fair as a way to publicly humiliate the antagonist, just as the rabbit publicly humiliates the Possum in Why the Possum's Tail is Bare. I wanted to write a story in which the rabbit gets what's coming to him, and to demonstrate karma.

Bibliography: Story based on stories from Cherokee Myths Unit, Myths of the Cherokee by James Mooney, found here.

Week 9 Reading Notes: Cherokee Myths Part A

I chose to read the Cherokee Myths Unit because I am one very, very tiny part Cherokee.
The story of the creation of the world is unique and interesting. I especially like the idea that the underworld is the same as their world, but in opposite seasons, and they know this because the water is warmer than the winter air and colder than the summer air. To me, that communicates a truly creative sense of balance in an environmentally conscious culture.
I like that the story of discovering fire uses only animal characters to retrieve the fire. It signifies their strong belief in and respect of nature. I love that the water spider was the ultimate hero, successfully retrieving the fire. I did not see that coming!
The myths about the sun and moon are elaborate and thoughtful. The stories range from the playing of games to frogs attempting to devour the sun and moon. Also, pointing at a rainbow will cause joint inflammation; who knew?!
In the Deluge, like any good flood story, everyone dies, save one man and his family, but not before drowning the family dog.
The Cherokee obviously believed that tobacco had healing powers, and smoking was a large part of their culture. The story of how the hummingbird was able to retrieve the tobacco plant and seeds, and ultimately save an old woman's life, reinforces the idea that every piece of nature is important, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. This makes me want to write a story about an underdog!
The rabbit is depicted as a clever trickster, and is ample inspiration for an antagonist. He can trick anyone, and he is a survivalist. This will make him a formidable opponent for my underdog. The hare seems to steal things from people by tricking them. This gives me the idea of making the antagonist a thief of some kind.
Wow! How the terrapin fools the rabbit with his own cunning wit in a version of the tortoise and the hare! Now I've got the inspiration for my underdog protagonist.


Photo of The Tortoise and the Hare by Milo Winter from Aesop for Children, found on Wikimedia, here.

Bibliography: Part A of the Cherokee Myths Unit, Myths of the Cherokee by James Mooney, found here.