Mini-Project #1: Monster Story

 

Core 102: The Monsters We Make

Spring 2003

 

 

Your first MP assignment is to write a short story with a monstrous theme. This is due on Friday, February 7. This story will in turn serve as the basis for Mini Project #2, the story-board, so keep in mind that you will later need to represent certain elements of this story visually. You should feel free to work on both at the same time if it helps your writing or drawing process.

 

Your short story should:

 

1) Accurately reflect your definition of ‘monster’, both in terms of physical and behavioral characteristics. Your story will supply a representation of a monster that should work as a physical reality and as a cultural tool or symbol revealing and representing specific cultural values, fears, and perspectives on other-ness and difference.

 

2) Accurately represent your own opinion concerning that cultural role; consider whether you want your monster to actually be monstrous, simply misperceived as monstrous, a combination of these elements or some other set of opinions on the nature or essence of monstrosity. In terms of dramatic elements, this element of your story is your theme, the underlying idea, message or argument you hope to make compelling and persuasive.

 

3) Attempt to transmit your definition and opinions to readers, showing, rather than telling, the role your monster plays; make them "see" or understand that definition through basic dramatic and literary elements: plot, character, setting and symbolism.  Unlike essays, stories create the experience for the reader; your job in this assignment is to create a monster readers can imagine: see, feel, smell, fear.

 

Stories should be at least four pages in length, double spaced.  When you submit the story, you should also submit (a) an Author Note in which you provide your definition of ‘monster’ and any additional information you wish to supply your reader, and (b) your rough drafts, outlines and copies of journal notes showing the process you used to organize, draft and revise the story. It is a good idea to let others read this story and provide you with comments as you prepare your story.  We would be happy to look at drafts in advance of the due date.

 

Your grade on this story will be determined as follows: (a) Author Note: 10%; (b) Process Papers: 10%; (c) Story: 80%.  If you submit an Author Note and process papers, you will automatically receive 20%.  In evaluating your story, we will reward effort, your ability to realize your definition dramatically, and your ability to make your reader imagine your monster.  You are welcome to use any dramatic structure you wish for this project.