Alice's Looking-Glass:
This is a classic reference for imagination for many, and no less so for me. I am extremely interested in the story of the Jabberwocky, primarily because this creature must be a manifestation of something terrible for Alice. I would be interested in seeing that idea explored further.
Arabian Nights: The Story of the Fisherman:
I also like the idea of mortals being able to beat gods (or god-like monsters) at their own games, and that's exactly what this story shows when a lowly fisherman faces-down a genie. I think the genie could very well be considered a monster, and it takes a special kind of human to beat one. Stories in which mortals overcome immortals has been done many times over (Bram Stoker's Dracula, for example), but it is
Grimm: Briar Rose:
The lesson that fate is always absolute, but not necessarily all that it seems is a fantastic theme that plays out in the tale of Briar Rose (also known as Sleeping Beauty). It's the classic case of "the twist ending", but without the reliance on cheesy spectacle. Instead, this tale implores readers to think more of what role prophesy actually plays in a fantasy: how far does its influence reach? And how true will it remain?
Ovid's Metamorphosis: Semele:
I think I will enjoy recounting the various unfortunate ways that powerful beings interfere in the lives of mortals, especially in the matter of affairs and love as the story of princess Semele is. I often wonder: what do the gods get out of all this? A good laugh? Maybe this is their form of entertainment? It's moments like these when we're reminded how "human" the deities of legend really behave.
I definitely count on expanding and deepening my search for good stories. But I will stick with these until then!
Finding a story you especially want to read in a reading unit is a great idea, Andres! The idea is that you will read the whole unit each week, but looking at what individual stories are in each unit is definitely the right way to choose which you unit you want to do. The question of just why we enjoy stories about terrible things (scary stories, tragic stories, etc. etc.) that you raise there re: Semele is a really great question to ask. Not all stories are funny or feel-good stories... but still we crave them!
ReplyDeleteFor the images, make sure you provide some kind of descriptive caption instead of just "image link." For Semele, for example, you could give the name of the painting and the artist: Semele by Gustave Moreau. Whenever you know the name of the artist, it's good to include that, giving credit where credit is due! :-)