Jonah and I discussed fantasy as I was exploring the roles
fantasy plays in literacy, and more specifically the role of The Neverending
Story. We talked about how fantasy doesn't get as much respect as it probably
deserves for the role it plays. (Though in recent years, the position of
fantasy as being looked down upon has changed a little bit.)
- My main goal for the hour is to get a really solid thesis hashed out. Especially because I'm still not entirely sure of the direction I would like to take.
- In brainstorm-fashion, I want to get sections written about the different aspects of the claim.
- If I have time, I will start threading them together, and organizing them.
- If I still have time, I will start fleshing these ideas out and pull in more research and examples.
UPDATE 4:07pm; Very Brainstormesque. Brace yourselves.
The Neverending Story Drafting:
Genre: Novel, Fantasy, Children’s Lit
Visual:Green/Red text, ABC’s,Elaborately illuminated letters
Characters: Atreyu—Hero, Pathfinder, Bastian—He gets
annoying but understandably so, Childlike Empress—leadership judgement,
Falkor—Luck dragon, AURYN—medallion door power wishes, Nothing—disappearing
absence of something, lies
Themes: Changing characters/hardships, Realities vs
Story—pushes bounderies “it’s just a story” uses the book format to push it
further, Truth vs Lies, Time—Time to midnight (Bastian) Both having JUST begun
and existing forever (see quote books/stories), Wishes—following heart,
Books/Stories—creation “that story will be told another time,” Forgetting,
Nothing, Opposites
Why do I care about the neverending story? It touches huge,
big important themes. It feels real and true. And somehow at the same time, it
is absolutely ridiculous and fantastic. It’s a book within a book. I think it’s
influenced the way we see books. A lot of the time people love imagine that
they actually go into their favorite book.
Inkheart is another work by a german author touching this
theme.
Why is it important to imagine? It IS important. But why?
Fantasy addresses truths within lies.
The argument that fantasy is relevant feels old. Even though
I do feel passionately about it. I don’t want to write about it.
I could also talk about why children’s literature is good
for adults.
What I really want is for OTHER people to take the Neverending
Story seriously…
What does the Neverending Story say about truth?
About passion?
AURYN: plays a key role… It is a medallion in the book. The
book within the book has it’s mark. OUR physical book has it’s mark. It
protects the wearer. The inscription (which we don’t know or find out what it
says is halfway through the book) is “Do what you wish.” It represents the
power of the Childlike Empress. Every character in the book, Good or Evil, or
WHATEVER, really, respects AURYN as a symbol of the Childlike Empress. The
wearer is acting in behalf of her. She respects everyone and doesn’t judge any
of them, so they respect it. Ygramul “the childlike empress takes us all as we
are.” (pg 68) More than that though, the wearer is protected.
It is also a door.
Balance. The snakes. pg 383 “the havoc they could wreak was
checked only because they help each other prisoner. If they let eachother go,
the world would end. That was certain.”
Water of life. Water says “drink, drink. Do what you wish”
Gave up AURYN of his own will. This place is AURYN.
Cast off everything of the childlike Empress.
All the gifts fell off one by one…. “Joy of living. Joy of
being himself…. The joy of being able to love.”
Can’t get out unless all the stories started are finished.
He changed inside
What about the movie version?
Symbolism
“DO WHAT YOU WISH:”
Imagination and Symbolism of AURYN in Michael Ende’s The
Neverending Story
In the Neverending Story, the symbolism of AURYN
demonstrates the importance of imagination in Children’s literature and the
role of imagination in early literacy.
Desires, following your heart, Connecting Worlds, The
Childlike Empress.
What I accomplished was a definite direction. I decided
"Fantasy" was too big a topic to tackle, and it's not as fresh a
topic as I would like to talk about. While AURYN probably is discussed in the
scholarship, I didn't find that when I was researching. I need to double check
on any obvious research sources specifically about AURYN that I might have
missed. From what I've seen so far, they probably didn't connect AURYN to
imagination or literacy. Next I need to figure out what exactly my supporting
points are. I also need to spend several hours everyday for the rest of the
week working on a proper draft.
I really like where you went with this. The narrowing from fantasy as a whole to just the idea of Auryn definitely helped with your goal of fleshing out a full thesis statement. As for your ideas, I can clearly see how you could string them together and make a clear case for your thesis. I love what you've done here!
ReplyDeleteI agree, this sounds like a really interesting idea in general (and one that I strongly agree with! I think that reading and fantasy can really strongly influence people and help them understand relationships, etc.) but narrowing it down made your thesis more powerful and debatable. Once you've got your supporting points I think your paper will flow smoothly, especially since it is a topic you are passionate about!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great brainstorming session, it appears. I know what you mean about needing to spend more time on it later on--I'm in the same boat! It'll come together though. It's good that you decided on a thesis; that will make other connecting thoughts much easier.
ReplyDeleteWow. I loved seeing this brainstorming. It really seemed to help you focus in. I felt like I could see the cogs turning as I read through your thoughts. At first I wondered if you would have rather spent the time writing, but now I see how beneficial this will be for you to have a solid thesis. I am seeing the beginning of a really strong essay! Way to go!
ReplyDelete