Reading Notes- Part B, Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

For my final selection for my story I decided to read a comic book story "Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince." I would like my story to be focused on just one story and maybe some ideas come from the other two stories that I have already read. I like the idea of Karna because he was this child who was born as a gift, yet he was abandoned by his mother Kunti. Then he was found by another family who were poor and was brought up by them. He also was a great archer but it was taken from him because he did not possess the right "birth right." Through another slew of events and a battle he dies but in his death his mother finally opens her heart to him and basically the Pandava Family was forced to pay ritual praise to him. I would like to use a part of this in my story because he was a real and genuine character. Many people do not reach their full potential because they did not have someone there for them or the resources to be able to turn into the best they could be. When I read this story and the background I kept thinking about the many children even today that get abandoned. This story and what happened to Karna is not an ancient action. People still are selfish today, and not everyone gets to grow up in a loving parental home. I want to allow one of my characters to experience a little of what Karna did so my story can reflect more realism than idealism. I like how the theme of my stories is to touch on subjects many may be fearful to but I think the more real I am the better my writing can be.


Adoption

References:
Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

Reading Notes A part 2, Megasthenes-Ambassador, Traveller And Observer

During last week I read a comic about a princess born of fire. I was not able to put together a story last week due to time constraints. I decided for this week I will piggy back off the idea I had last week. I read a story today about a man named Megasthenes who was an ambassador, traveler, and observer. He went to India during the time of 4 BC and 5 BC, which I found out by researching some more on the background of the story. He traveled to India during a prominent time for Indian history. He documented what was happening in India. The story is what explains what he saw and what was happening. He wrote it all in a four volume book. I decided to use this as part of my last story this week because I could use this type of writing style to tell my story. I have wrote every story in a similar tone and way. I want this last story to be told in a different point of view and seen a little differently. I could still write a similar story about Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Instead of writing it in a narration I could tell the story in a new way. I could tell it in a way like someone is watching everything unfold and retelling the story of what they saw. The person can be a traveler in a different time who sees situations unfold and is telling his grandchild what he experienced. I have seen this type of storytelling done within movies. There is usually a character who is older and is retelling an experience later on in life. For example in, "Saving Private Ryan." This movie started with an older man visiting a military grave site with his family and then in another scene it is the same old man but younger and in the war. I want my story to be told in a powerful way like that.


Back to The Future



References:
Megasthenes- Ambassador, Traveler, and Observer

Reading Notes A, The Fire Princess

I read in a graphic novel about Draupadi, the fire born princess. I only read the first part of the story just in case I decided I wanted to either read the second portion next week and do a two part story or if I decided I want to go a different direction I can. In the story a prophecy is said and she is born as a beautiful princess from a sacred fire. The princess loves one prince Arjuna, the Pandava prince. In strange events she finds herself wed to all 5 of the brothers. Their cousins, the Kauravas try to harm her and her husbands. There is where my story reading has stopped. I decided I could go a few different ways in retelling my story but I decided to take out the five husband deal already and write about Draupadi and Arjuna. I wanted to give my characters more complicated issues but I did not want all these lovers be one of them. A possible idea I have about writing a story would be to mix my characters with the comic book characters called Hawkgirl and Hawkman. I could crossover the two stories between her being born of fire, yet having this old destiny that Hawkgirl and Hawkman have of being together. Since she is born of sacred fire she can symbolize that rebirth and forgiveness of sins as she dies and is reborn from the fire. I can allow my characters to go through their own complications with their own villains and also somehow incorporate the Justice League, which they both make an appearance through DC comics. With the retelling of my story I can also bring to light the story I read to bring about a moral and lesson that each person should learn and know about.


Hawkman and Hawkgirl


References:
Draupadi- The Fire Born Princess

Reading Notes: The Miracle Messenger of Love, Part A

During yesterday's reading I sat down and looked over Chaitanya Mahaprabhu "The Miracle Messenger of Love." After also looking at background information of the comic book story I decided to do a story that revolves around its teachings. Krishna makes a point within the story to forsake other dogmas and to take refuge in him. The story is all about taking refuge in their beliefs not let anyone get in the way. If everyone were to follow him than they are His and no questions are asked beyond that. I could go along with my theme for this semester on loyalty and how to stay true to something you believe in. Possible story ideas could be writing about a time someone had to stand up against people who believed they were wrong. I could allow my character go through some turmoil, like those who were in World War Two. Those that were taken captive were Jewish and had to be on the run for their survival and in order to stay with their faith. Those that back downed and decided to join the Nazi side were alive for maybe a little while longer but at what cost? Many during the war stood up for their beliefs and what they felt was wrong with Germany and that was Hitler. I could do a story based on those events and show that Indian religions do honestly teach so much about the world and have morals that could be used not just for those who follow Krishna but want to leave a better life. I could center my story in the World War Two era and allow my character go through some tough challenges but because they decided to stick with what they believe in they triumph in the end. Id like my readers to get something out of my story and I want that something to be positive.


The White Rose



References:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love

Reading Notes: Part B, Brain vs Brawn

The second part of my reading this week I read a tale about brains vs. brawn and the characters were all birds. My stories are not centered around animals with human characteristics but I could easily input certain parts of the story into my characters. The moral of the story with the birds is all about being wise in situations and thinking before you react. In my story I could allow my character to deal with a dilemma in which he/ she needed to think before she acts or  be wise in a situation. Since my story more than likely will be about an athlete I could allow him/ her to be involved in a situation where he may go against the morals my character believes in. They could be around people who are trying to convince them to get involved in steroids to make the process of training become a quicker process or they could be doing cocaine or something and tell my character it helps with nerves to try and pressure them into doing something they should not be. I can use that as a way for my readers to relate to my character in some way. Every person during their life will experience peer pressure in some form. Some may experience it worse than others. Some may decide to break under pressure and some people in the moment are strong enough to say no. Regardless of the situation the bottom line is that everyone experiences it eventually. I want my story to be able to grab the reader's attention and keep it. The way I feel like I can best do that is by allowing my character to be relatable in some way. My story will have the basis of the comic I read yesterday and have parts from the story I read today.


References:
Bird Stories: Jataka Tales of Brain Versus Brawn


Funny Picture

Reading Notes: Part A, The Boy Who Saw God

I would like to somehow combine two different stories I have read and one is called "The Boy Who Saw God." The story is about Chokha a boy who experiences God at an early age. He was not able to go to any Temples because he was known as an untouchable in his society. Even though this was his sad truth he never stopped singing praises and his body and heart became a temple. I want to incorporate this like my other stories into a more modernized theme and twist. I could possibly write a story about an athlete who is training for the Olympics and growing up in a background that is not supportive of the dream. It can be similar to the original in a way because in the original he devotes himself to God and never lets anyone allow his faith to be ceased. My character could triumph through different obstacles as well by what he/she faces training for the big event. Also in my story I could add a romantic dynamic. The dynamic will allow my story to keep to the theme I have provided for this blog, which usually revolves around some type of relationship. This story could be focused on the relationship someone has to their hobby. Some people feel so connected to a particular object or desire as if it is their child or baby. Some dreams to people are not just dreams but something that could alter their life the way they know it. This in a way describes the way love is pictured in movies. My story will light the fact their is a romantic encounter to be had but instead their focus is on their current dream. Some people do not have a happy end with another person. Sometimes people's happy end is the goal they set and the goal they met.

References:
Chokha Mela, The Boy Who Saw God


Olympian

Reading Notes Part A-B, The Dark Lord Who Saw Light

 

The story I read was "Andhaka: The Dark Lord Who Saw Light." The story is about Andhakasura, the child of Shiva. The child is born early and is adopted into an evil family called the Asuras. He end up growing older and having a dark soul because of it. The story is about his liberation and the steps his soul had to go in order to be redeemed. He had to go through a fire journey in order to experience the destiny he had in front of him.


The way I could set up my own story is by allowing my character to have similar issues. My story could be about a girl who may see herself as ugly and go through a journey of loving herself and being "freed" in her own way. I could also twist my story into a type of Sci-fi theme and write a spin off of Harry Potter. My main focus can be on my own version of Lord Voldemort and instead of him being completely bad he somehow turns out to be one of the good guys but he has been framed all along. My stories usually always have a theme to them or a moral I want my readers to think about. This time I could focus my writing about not judging a person by the way they look but who they are on the inside. There are evil people out there but no one really takes a second to think why they might be that way. A serial killer is not born to be that way but was transformed by the hand of another. I recently saw a movie that reminded me of that concept. Even though it may be hard to forgive someone who has wronged you, it can also be freeing. I want my story to illustrate a concept similar to that.


Not Enough
























Voldemort


References: 
Andhaka, The Dark Lord Who Saw Light  

Reading Note's: She Gave Her Heart to Krishna, Part A

During this weeks reading I decided to choose the comic book that is titled, " She Gave Her Heart to Krishna." The story is about a little girl named Mira who at a young age gave her heart to the Lord Krishna. When she gets older she marries a prince named Bhojraj who had a great passion for hating Mughals. Later on she is tested for her devotion to Krishna and she stands by him while the prince's sister, Uda tries to sabotage Mira by speaking to the prince about where Mira goes when she worships. The different ways I have thought about changing up my story but staying within a similar theme like my previous stories is make it into a greater love story. I can speak about a wife and her devotion to her husband who loves her back. Then one day she could be tempted to be unfaithful because the marriage gets increasingly difficult. Instead of allowing herself to be tempted she walks away. She soon realizes it is her husband she wants to stay loyal and dedicated to. I think it will illustrate a more modern yet different approach. In the stories we have had to read this semester most of the endings are not pleasing because they end in a somber way. I want my story to be focused on a real modern marriage. Everyone in a marriage at some point will be in conflict with their spouse. Although what the important part is in how they argue and talk it out. That is an instant sign on if a couple will end or continue by how they handle each other during conflict. I want my story to reflect a true, modern, and genuine marriage that will help build onto my stories to come. I think this edge will provide my story with more in depth details.


Peyton, One Tree Hill






Resources:
Mirabai- She gave her heart to Lord Krishna

Reading Notes: Nine Ideal Indian Women, Part A

During my reading this week I decided to choose the reading about the Nine ideal Indian women, and I chose to read part A. The readings for part A are about Savitri and Daymaniti. Both of these women were princesses who fell in love with two realistic type men. Savitri lost her husband to death and followed death around until her husband was brought back because she did not want to raise the child alone. On the flipside, Daymaniti's husband did not die but gambled away his belongings and wanted her to leave him because of his "sins." Instead she stayed with him and said it was not the money she wanted but him. I could somehow combine both of these stories together and allow them to correlate together. The two women could be friends and I could change one of the stories for them to meet in a more modern setting, like a party or in a class at school. Another possible idea I could do for making my own twist to the story is allowing one of the husbands not be royalty but be a very wealthy man. He could fall in love with a woman who resembles the beauty of a princess. Then he could get into a bad accident and instead of losing money to gambling, he loses his legs. On the other side, I can allow her to see her lover from across the room and see him as love at first sight. In doing that it can allow my story to have a different spin on it because the roles in which male and female are switched. I can alternate my stories back and forth so readers can understand both sides of the story. I could write from the males perspective and female and speak about it from both stream of consciousness.


Prince and Princess

References:
Narayan's Ramayana, Nine Ideal Indian Women Link to Readings Online

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Part B

During this week's reading I read the rest of part B and began reading into part C of the Mahabharata. As I was reading I formulated some topics I could bring up in my unique twist of the story. The part that stood out to me was during the game of dice. Shakuni tells Duryodhana that they can get revenge on the Pandavas in this game. Shakuni has been known for being a very great player of dice and he believes he can beat Yudhishthira and take from him. Yudhishthira loses everything he owns even Draupadi. Then Duryodhana goes to his brother and ask him if he could fetch her for him. He wants to drag her out in public and strip off her clothes, but calls out to Krishna for help and when her clothes are yanked off, new ones appear. Through this story I will create a modernized story about it. Possibly ways I could create my story is by changing my characters in certain ways. I could allow the scene to be about a super hero and his side kick trying to save a damsel in distress. One super hero  could represent Shakuni and the villain can represent the Pandavas. The super hero could be called Sun Strike and the villain Die Grosse Boom, which in german would be the Big Boom. My story could open with explaining how the characters came to be who they are and what led to their rivalry. The girl in the story will be the protagonist sister and he is trying to save her from the villain. My story will be different because instead of being a princess my characters are related.





Superman and Supergirl

References:
R.K Narayan's Mahabharata, Link to Reading Online

Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Part A

As I began reading part A of R.K Narayan's "the Mahabharata" I came across an interesting idea that I could do for my own story. The reading starts out with this woman who marries this man and she keeps throwing out the babies. Then on the 8th baby it was saved and she went away. Later on negotiation was had about the dynasty that would be left and Bhisma said he could not break his vow of celibacy even if it meant help princesses to become mothers. Satyavathi asked for Bhisma to forget his vows and help her give children given birth since the men they chose were duds. He said no and then a name popped into her head, it was Vyasa. He owed her a favor and he was sure to do it. He then says yes and enters in. I am basing at least the basis of my story about these scenes and the scenes going forward. Instead I would like to write a story about a woman in an abusive relationship and how she has been hurt from the previous man. Kind of piggy backing off of the idea that all the princes lost their lovers in some way. In this way this princess will eventually lose her lover do to abuse and Vyasa's character will instead save her from the terrible person and help her heal. My story will in a sense have a lighter ending and gives realism to my story, considering domestic violence is common in America I felt like I could write a story to bring that to light. The character Bhisma will be the abusive character and instead of him not wanting to give in and go against his purity he will be the bad character. It will give my readers a sense of how the story could have been different if the characters are different.



Domestic Violence


References:
R.K Narayan Mahabharata Link to Reading Online

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Part D

Earlier today I read through the rest of the version of the Ramayana that I chose to read. One chapter that stood out to me that could best fit my story was titled, "The Armies." During this time Rama gets infuriated with Sugriva, who promised to  find Sita. During this time the rainy season has come to an end and since Rama was getting nowhere with Sugriva so he called upon Lakshmana. He asked him if he could remind the monkey king about the promises he has made to him. I could use this circumstance by allowing my character to have a knock at his door be someone he works with. Then on their way to find my character that represents Sita, they are stopped. They run into one of his friends who says he wont let him save her without him. He in a way can represent Lakshmana. In the next scene Sita does eventually get saved and in my story so will my character. Stiles/ Rama can be in the streets with his acquaintance and his friend. They start running quicker until they end at an intersection. Stiles looks both ways and approaches a car. In the dark blue Porsche  a dark figured man with light-skinned hands stuck out his hand with a white piece of paper. Stiles will quickly look down at the paper and sighs. He is not sure what to do or think but he turns back to the two other men behind him and he motions them forward. The man in the Porsche drives away and they begin their journey. Stiles tells them they have to ride the bus outside of town. They both get into the bus and sit on different ends to avoid suspicion of what they are about to partake it. As my story comes to an end I will allow my character to be killed because of him wanting to save her and she gets badly injured and is only brought back to life because her lover was organ donor. He then saves her life in many forms. In a sense my story will symbolize Sita's purity of heart. I read on Wikipedia that Sita has been known for being pure and courageous. Usually the pure of heart always triumph in the end and that's how I want my story to be portrayed.





References:
Narayan's Ramayan, Link to Reading Guide D
Picture

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana, Section C

During the chapter, "The Rainy Season" in Narayan's Ramayana a massive rain has befallen on the land. The story is set up grim. Rama lost his beloved Sita and he has elected Surgriva to help him. I could begin my story with the same grim atmosphere leading into my tale. The setting can be in a city like Seattle, where rain can be never ending. The scene can start out on a street. There is a young man looking in both directions gasping for air all around him in the pouring rain. He sees a glimpse of light in his field of vision and he cannot quite make it out to be. Then he wakes up. I could have this character be Rama. He is having nightmares of losing his lover to be and that could set up my story to show what will be driving my narrative. Then I can describe the next scene as  being a completely different snap shot but it is of Malia, who will portray Sita. Malia is begging for these gun smugglers save her lovers life and to take pity on them. The smugglers agree and in exchange they take her. Just like in the story Sita in my story will still have her being taken but in a way this type of sacrifice will bring out the courageous and pure aspects of Sita that she is known for in the Indian myths/ beliefs. Then it snaps back to Rama/ Stiles and shows that he does not know why she was taken but that he wants to find her. I then can let him walk into this crowed street towards an apartment building and walk up to what will be his place and walk to his closet and uncover a 50 caliber, showing that he is about to take them on. Then there is an abrupt silence and a knock at his door and it could be someone who owes him a favor/ a really close friends who understands him and the relationship he shares with his lover. That person can resemble Surgriva. Then the story fades into some of the conquest they had to go through to save Sita.







References:
Narayan's Ramayana Link to Reading Guide C
Picture

Reading Notes: Two Promises Revived- Narayan's Ramayana Part B

In the chapter "Two Promises Revived" in "The Ramayana" it begins with a man named Dasaratha who wants to give his thrown to someone younger. He has done his work and spent many years on the thrown and wants to spend the rest of his days resting. He then decides to give his throne to Rama because he is competent and younger. I will change the characters but keep the initial plot. I will twist the story to include Superman's Father Jor El and Superman, Clark Kent/ Kal El. I will have the plot centered to be on their planet. In the comic books superman gets sent to Earth when he was a baby because his planet was going to explode. Instead I will have Jor El be like Dasaratha and pass down his kingdom of Krpyton to Superman, or Kal El. The journey within the story will show how superman who did not have power comes to many as he becomes a hero of many planets. Just like in the chapter there were many obstacles that got in the way, my characters as well will have obstacles to overcome in some way. With an expecting turn in the chapter Rama does not become king because Dasaratha wants him to achieve higher spiritual welfare. So in my story I can have Kal El say to superman in the end that instead of governing over their world that he should govern over ours. Superman will then become the hero we were raised to know about and love. In the end a man by the name of Baharatha was selected in place of Rama to rule. He even took his sandals as symbol of reigning on the behalf of Rama. I decided to change my story for Superman also to help his cousin Kara El/Supergirl to be a part of being a hero to Earth. She will be like Baharatha who carries herself and has powers like superman but has her own fate to rule in her specific ways. In the end of this chapter the ending is not as good for the characters for Rama gets exiled and Baharatha finds out he was cursed for his previous actions, but I wanted my characters to have a happier and more complex ending.






Resources:
Narayan's Ramayana Link to Reading Guide
Superman and Supergirl

Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana,Part A

I am reading through chapter 2 called, "The Wedding." Within minutes of ready the chapter I was amazed at how well the scenery is described. I would like to start my story off by describing a beautiful scene in front of me but maybe twist my story to be in front of massive mountains. I would tell the story in a woman's perspective and display her thoughts. As if we were listening to her speak about her wedding day and what she sees in front of her. There will be snow capped mountains in distance and big frozen leafless trees. The air will be blowing but just a slight breeze and everything is still. Then as a move into a different setting the readers can hear my characters thoughts and how she does not want to marry the man that she will see at the end of the aisle. She will describe how she longs for the man much like the story and he will long for her too. Except instead of Rama seeing Sita and instantly falling in love I will make my characters best friend. My character will have parents that do not agree with them marrying and will try and make the two at odds with each other. Continuing with my story and how Sita father used the bow as a way to find the right match my characters will have a similar fate. Instead I could allow my main male character to fight the groom and win the lady's heart.

Image Information


Narayan's Ramayana, "The Ramayana Shortened Modern Prose Version of the India Epic"