Due: September 5th
Length: 300-1,000 Words
This assignment will give you the chance to explore elements of storytelling in anticipation of the longer narrative essay that will be due on the 15th. For this assignment, I am asking you to re-frame a story that you have enjoyed in the past. You may use a myth or fairy tale, like Hansel and Gretel or the Three Little Pigs, or a modern story like Twilight or the Lion King.
Think about the setting, characters, point of view, and audience in the story and then consider how changing one of these aspects could change the story as a whole. The Lion King as told from Scar's perspective, for example, would be an entirely different story. One could also think about the Twilight series as told from the perspective of a human male being pursued by a female vampire and werewolf. Maybe The Three Little Pigs as a modern-day tale set in New York and acted out by gang members would interest you.
Whatever you choose, have fun with it and use it as an opportunity to practice your writing and storytelling skills. Summarize the story in your own words. You need not go into any great detail as the retelling should be about a page long, double spaced, but try to summarize the plot, characters, and setting the best that you can. If you feel like you need more room, feel free to use as many as 1,000 words. You may e-mail the assignment to me directly by midnight on the 5th, or you may post it to the blog for extra credit.
Length: 300-1,000 Words
This assignment will give you the chance to explore elements of storytelling in anticipation of the longer narrative essay that will be due on the 15th. For this assignment, I am asking you to re-frame a story that you have enjoyed in the past. You may use a myth or fairy tale, like Hansel and Gretel or the Three Little Pigs, or a modern story like Twilight or the Lion King.
Think about the setting, characters, point of view, and audience in the story and then consider how changing one of these aspects could change the story as a whole. The Lion King as told from Scar's perspective, for example, would be an entirely different story. One could also think about the Twilight series as told from the perspective of a human male being pursued by a female vampire and werewolf. Maybe The Three Little Pigs as a modern-day tale set in New York and acted out by gang members would interest you.
Whatever you choose, have fun with it and use it as an opportunity to practice your writing and storytelling skills. Summarize the story in your own words. You need not go into any great detail as the retelling should be about a page long, double spaced, but try to summarize the plot, characters, and setting the best that you can. If you feel like you need more room, feel free to use as many as 1,000 words. You may e-mail the assignment to me directly by midnight on the 5th, or you may post it to the blog for extra credit.
“Sesame Street after Hours”
ReplyDeleteWe all know that famous place where all the characters hang out and play, “Sesame Street” the happy go lucky crew that can solve any problem. They can work together and have awesome ideas on how to fix any issue. They say a happy family is the greatest bond anybody can have, but what happens when it’s all work and no play.
After the all the lights and cameras are gone, when the sun goes down everything changes. Big bird hung out in all the wrong spots, he ran into a flock of his own kind and was contaminated with a lethal dose of the bird flu and consequently lost his amazing yellow feathers to the struggle, after the incident none of his friends wanted to be seen with him again. Oscar the grouch had gotten so fed up with kids kicking over his trash can he ended up being taken to jail for child abuse and was kicked off the show for breach of contract “THE CHILDREN ARE NOT TO BE HARMED.” As for Count Dracula he had enjoyed his day job of counting numbers so much, he taught himself to count cards and flew from casino to casino and took them for all they had, consequently they found out who he was and was busted by the feds soon after. The Cookie Monster saw all his friends drifting apart and tried to keep the gang together but they were tired of listening to each other’s problems and kept blowing him off, in a rage he made a batch of cookies with coco lax and sent them to all his old comrades, for some odd reason he was never heard of again. Last but not least Elmo no longer wanted to be in any which way or form referenced to the show, eventually he changed his name from “Elmo” to “EMO” and “Elmo’s world” to “EMOS CRIB”. Soon after he ditched all his old friends and moved the crib to downtown Compton with the Muppets for a new more exhilarating life, they taught him everything he now knows.
All in all after 44 years of on-stage forced smiles the crew of Sesame Street called it quits. Tired of the everyday grind and the never ending on slaught of happy children. Ruined friendships and long gone memories, they were a forgotten dream.
Raul Escobedo
Once upon a time in a small village lived three little pigs, who were building their houses. One pig built his house of hay, while the second pig built his house of sticks. The first two piggies built their houses very quickly. They did not like to work, and were honestly quite lazy. They spent the rest of the day laughing and playing. Meanwhile, the third little pig worked hard all day long building his house with bricks.
ReplyDeleteA big bad wolf came along and heard the two little pigs laughing and playing. The wolf had dinner in his sights. He chased the two pigs and they ran to there houses to hide. He huffed and puffed and blew the house made of hay down, in less than a minute. The scared little pig ran to the second pigs house made of sticks. The big bad wolf chased the little pig, but the pig made it safely inside. With a huff and a puff the wolf blew the house down. The two little pigs ran to the third pigs house made of bricks but could not make it in. The wolf ate the two pigs and continued on to the third pigs house made of bricks. He huffed and he puffed but had no such luck. So with a full stomach the big bad wolf gave up, and disappeared into the woods.
The third pigs hard work had payed off. He lived in his brick home were he enjoyed lots more years enjoying life, while he laughed and he played. Never to see the big bad wolf return.
I changed an element in the story to give it a different ending. I hope this what you were looking for.
DeleteI like that ending: only the pig that thought ahead and made his house of bricks made it. Too bad for the other little pigs.
DeleteOnce upon a time there was a poor couple who were expecting a baby in a few months. The wife always had the craziest cravings, but because they were so poor, the husband would have to steal those things for her. One day, the wife noticed that their neighbor, JuJu, had made a pie and had set it out on the window to cool. She immediately ordered the husband to go steal it for her. The husband agreed but he got caught in the process. The neighbor was an understanding old woman though, and decided to negotiate with the couple. She told them that she would make them delicious pies every day for the rest of their lives if they would just let her keep the baby once it was born. The couple couldn't believe this woman was making them such an offer. They quickly agreed and thanked her endlessly for relieving them of such a burden. So once the baby was born, JuJu took her, named her Raisin, and fed her ramen noodles for every meal. By the time the Raisin turned 18 years old, her hair had grown to be thousands and thousands of feet long. Raisin told JuJu that since she was an adult now, she would be moving out to experience the real world and sell crack with her boyfriend of 2 weeks, Tyrone. JuJu then decided that if Raisin wasn't going to live with her anymore, that she didn't want her to live at all. So JuJu locked her up in an extremely tall tower that had no doors, just a window. Raisin was forced to stay up there until she died of starvation. Once Raisin died, JuJu went back and cut off all her hair. JuJu then made thousands of hair extensions out of Raisin's beautiful hair, and opened up her own weave company. She instantly became a millionaire and still continued to make pies for her neighbors. And they all lived happily ever after. The end. :)
ReplyDeletethis was my version of Rapunzel, in case it wasn't too clear!
DeleteGreat anti-hero story: Her parents sell her off, Raisin dies, and the "bad guy" gets rich off of her misdeeds. Very noir.
DeleteOnce there was a little girl who lived with her mother in a rundown apartment in Bronx, NY. The little girl wore low-cut shirts and REALLY short-shorts always in the color of red, no matter what time of year it was. That’s why everyone, even her mother, called her Little Red Riding Hood.
ReplyDeleteOne Saturday morning, Little Red Riding Hood’s mother said to her “Your G-Ma is not feeling well, I think she partied too much last night. You need to run a bottle of this Vodka over to her, so she can “bite the dog the bit her” and that way she will be able to go out on another date tonight”.
“But Ma, I don’t feel like walking over there right now”, said Little Red Riding Hood. “You have to go now”, interrupted her Mother. “Watch out for the new gang that just came to town, when you are walking,” said her mother, “and don’t stop anywhere along the way. G-Ma is waiting for you”.
So Little Red Riding Hood starts out and everything seems great. She is skipping along and goes around a corner only to find a couple of gang members standing there.
“Hey Red, what’s up?” asks the gang members. “Where you going with that bottle you have in the brown paper bag?” “I am taking it to my G-Ma; she partied too hard last night and needs a little pick me up this morning.” “Why not bring her some flowers from the flower shop?” says the gang member. “That will pick her up this morning” The gang members began to laugh. Little Red Riding Hood says “I can’t stop anywhere; I have to go leave me alone”. “Stopping to get your G-Ma some flowers is not stopping anywhere, that will brighten her day,” said the gang member.
“OK, you are probably right,” said Little Red Riding Hood. So she goes to the flower shop to purchase flowers.
Meanwhile, the 2 gang members take off running to G-Ma’s house, which is two more blocks away. When they get to G-Ma’s apartment, the crept up to the door and knocked. “Who’s knocking at my door?” called out G-Ma. “Hey G-Ma, it is just me “Little Red Riding Hood,” answered the gang member in a high pitched voice. “I have brought you the bottle of Vodka.” “Come in, Red,” said G-Ma. “The door is opened.”
As soon as the gang members were inside, they gagged and tied G-Ma up and put her in a closet. The gang members crawled into G-Ma’s bed and waited for Little Red Riding Hood to arrive. Before long there was a knock at the door. “Who’s knocking at my door?” called out the gang member in a high voice. “Hey G-Ma, it is me Little Red Riding Hood,” came the reply. “I brought you the bottle of Vodka and some flowers to make you feel better.” “Come in,” said the gang member. “The door is open.”
Little Red Riding Hood went in and stood for a moment in the doorway. “Oh, G-Ma!” she said, looking over at the bed. “What big hands you have!” “The better to hold onto the bottle with, my dear,” said the gang member. “Come closer.” “Oh, G-Ma!” Little Red Riding Hood said, stepping into the room. “What big feet you have!” “The better to walk home with, my dear,” said the gang member. “Come closer.” Little Red Riding Hood came closer.
All the sudden, the police came barreling in with their guns drawn to stop the gang members from attacking Little Red Riding Hood. G-Ma’s neighbor had seen the gang members go into the apartment and called the police because they knew something bad was going to happen.
The gang members were arrested, G-Ma was let out of the closet and Little Red Riding Hood gave her the bottle of Vodka to drink so she would feel better and not be hung over so she could go out on her date that night.
Great modern-day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood! Very well written!
ReplyDeleteCinderella
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time there was a handsome young lad who had just lost his beautiful wife in child birth, but gained his daughter Cinderella. That day he promised his daughter the world and everything she could ever imagine. Her biggest wish was to have a mother again. Around the time of her fifth birthday her father had re-married an absolutely gorgeous bride that had two daughters from her previous husband. Cinderella was in love, her father had finally fulfilled her one dream. For the next ten years everything was great, until one sad day when the family had lost the only man in their life. Cinderella was devastated and so was her step-mother. From that day forward life became a struggle. The mother of three, use to being a housewife, had to take on two jobs throughout the town of being a seamstress and town nurse. Her two blood daughters, older than Cinderella, also had to take on part-time jobs they could find from week to week. They had to do this in order to keep and support the fabulous mansion that they’re husband and step-father had left for the four of them. In turn, Cinderella got stuck with all of the housework, as they could not afford their servants anymore. The tedious everyday chores consisted of laundry, cooking, dishes, sweeping, dusting, and taking care of the livestock. Cinderella though the worst of her step-mother and step-sisters from that day on. Her step-mother was hurt beyond belief. Over the past ten years, she had done nothing but care for and love the sweet little girl her second husband had devoted his world to. She could not believe how disrespectful and misunderstanding she was being. After Cinderella’s father had died all her step-mother tried doing was to keep life as the way it was. Cinderella in turn became distant and hateful towards them all for her having to do the housework, while they were out at jobs trying to keep the mansion the way it was. Her stepmother soon started treating Cinderella bad in return, because nothing would change. She had tried time and time again to explain to Cinderella why things had to be that way. Cinderella was to young to go out on the town and get a decent paying job, so she was dubbed house worker. In the end, Cinderella played victim and told anybody she could about how her stepmother had treated her so terribly and everyone believed her. In her step-mothers eyes, all she was trying to do was keep the family together and as happy as they could be even going through everything they had.
Once upon a time there were three young triplets, who on their 21st birthday planned to celebrate. Mother told them to be their best and have fun whilst doing so. To which they all heard but who did listen?
ReplyDeleteThe first triplet took off to the nearest lounge to have at least that first alcoholic drink, for he could not wait. Happy with the fortune of his age all around hear of his plans. Drinks are plenty as all join in on the happy times, but then it comes when all must leave. He drives off in the car only to be stopped by the police officer whom was waiting near. The officer asks “have you been drinking?” He replies “oh no not me not me not me.” To which the officer said “O, since you smell of alcohol huff and puff here please.” And from there to jail he did go.
The second triplet looked for the place where he could enjoy a cold one too. Only he thought to have just one or two. Two he had than he left in his car so fast just to find a sobriety check point near. The officer asks “have you been drinking?” He replies “oh no not me not me not me.” To which the officer said “O, since you smell of alcohol huff and puff here please.” And from there to jail he did go.
The third triplet to be his best planned way in advance, so off to dinner he happily went. With his fill of fine food and service he then continued on his merry way. To the premier move of the summer he went to see but on his way the busy officer he did meet. The officer asks “have you been drinking?” He replies “oh no not me not me not me.” To which the officer said “O, since you smell of alcohol huff and puff here please.” A huff and puff and then he spoke “there you be and as you see it will not be me you have in jail.” The officer sure of his smell grudgingly lets him leave.
To the move the third triplet goes, oh but wait, there is a dance he would like to see. With some time to spare he will then stop at the Last Chance Ranch. Watching with glee sipping his tea when oh no know it is time to go. Straight to the move now he must be when there again the officer of grudge is. Once more he performs the huff and puff of the officer’s routine though not to jail will he go.
Just in time for the move to start he meets his friend near the concession cart. The move full of fun and laughs goes so fast. Now his friend and he will be on to a night of drinks and dance you will see. Well of coarse who do they meet but the officers of grudge once more. Again the officer began his routine when his friend speaks ups “to jail with you for harassing my friend I am from internal affairs you see.” Off to jail the officer went whilst the triplet and friend continued to free drinks and food at the policemen’s’ ball.
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE INJUSTICE OF THE WOLF
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time, there lived a community of bad wolves .These wolves had a reputation for stealing, snitching and gang banging. Luckily in-between all the bad and evil lived this friendly wolf, his name was Max. He was born the exact opposite of the rest and to mention his twin brother. Max carried on a different lifestyle but the story continues. He always stood out for being so friendly and kind to the rest of the animals. With time his neighbors and friends secretly started envying him for his good habits. The worst of all was that jealous occurred in his own family with his dearest twin brother, Lex. Now Lex had grown to have an extreme hate for his brother because he always seemed to do better than him everything. In all of this mess of problems, there moved in three little piggies down the road off the big bad wolf village and this is how the story started … “I swear, I swear! “.” I’m innocent officer, if it wasn’t for my evil twin brother, this would have never happened.” “Please hear me out. “Left without any choice the officer listens to his bleg.“It was mid day during the hot summer day, Max was observing through the kitchen window the pig’s working hard on their houses. He had just finished making some sweet, icy lemonade and decided it would be a kind gesture to stop by later to give his new neighbors a warm welcome. Besides he thought, "Who doesn’t love lemonade on warm summer day?” Later that day, he grabs his pitcher of lemonade and some recent homemade cookies to bring over. He was coming upon the first house. in the distance he spotted some straws poking through the roof of the house. He thought to himself, “O my goodness!” “Ima ask this poor piggy if he needs any help.” As soon as the piggy spotted him. The first piggy ran inside. He knocked on the door. What max didn’t know was that the pig’s had already been warned about the big bad wolves village and their reputation behind their community. The pigges knew the risks but decided to move close by to see if one day there three houses would turn into a village. That would one day take over the big bad wolf village. What the piggy’s didn’t know was that among all these bad wolves lived the nicest fellow wolf there was. Max begged to let him in but the piggy had his mind made up & refused as the pig shut the door behind him you heard a big “AAAaachooooooo” and with that, Max blew the house down.What was never mentioned in the tale was that Max had horrible allergies that only came about the same year every summer and unfortunately it occurred during his visit. It was just something about that season that always tickled his nose. Ever since he was a little cub he was always made fun of for his consistent sneezing. Flashbacks struck him like lighting remembering those nasty old years .When he came back he noticed the piggy
running for help to his brothers house. Max humiliated and desperate to apologize ran over to the second house. He was so sorry he asked them over and over to open the door and the pigs replied, “Not by the hairs on our chinney chin chin!”.“O Noo!” he felt it coming again “AAAchoooooooooooo!” this time it was worst. He filled with tears as he yelled for the piggy’s to give him a chance! Again the pigs ran as fast as they could over to their brother’s. By this time his jar of lemonade was empty and his cookies were soaked and mushy. “He hesitated and stopped to catch his breath in tears he murmured ... “I was only trying to be friendly”. With his sad, teary face he heads to the last house. Finally, A steadily brick house, He thought, not anything or anyone could mess this up for the world, there’s just no possible way I could sneeze this house away. “Piggy’s!” Pigges!” “Please, open up! “"I’m sorry guys." hearing no responds. He waited outside again his allergies got to him. With a huff and a puff he sneezed away. Max was right, the house was still up! Thank goodness he thought, “After waiting for what seemed an internality. A light bolt rang in his head! He would just climb up the chimney, “why not, it would be harmless?” He thought. So he did but boy was He wrong. Going down he missed a brick and fell hard!!“Brother Brother Wake up!” he woke up to the uncontrollable shaking of his brother, Lex. “Are you ok?” asked Lex. “What?!” ….”what are you doing here!?” brother asked Max in confusion.“I had a change of heart and I came to rescue you!” said Lex with a grin on his face.“Where the pig’s Lex?” …. “Where am I”, asked Max. “O don’t worry their taken care.” replied Lex. Did you know they took very good care of you while you were hurt? “I was so moved by their kind acts”. I volunteered to look over you, while they ran to the village”. Brother you’re going to have to excuse me but I’m very confused, replied Max. ”HUSH NOW, HUSH NOW!” You’ve had a long day.” I have just the thing for you, I made you breakfast, my favorite, Bacon and eggs.” Sirens were heard .As soon as the police showed up the evidence was clear. Max was sentenced to life in prison for damaged property and murder of all three piggies. Lex being the brother he was didn’t have to ever worry of envying his poor brother anymore.
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