Fanfic 
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Group 5 
2014




"A Wizard of Earthsea" 

Throughout Ged's travels and his 'life's' journey with everything that came to pass, his triumphs, achievements, lessons learned and even his failures too, He always carried with him, the teachings and the pearls of wisdom imparted to him from Ogion the Silent of Re Albi. Ged had greatly valued his time with him and as he matured he curbed his arrogant ways and harnessed his magic and learned the balance unlike his aunt, the witch who had been his first mentor, There were times through anger and pride, he had rebelled and allowed his youthful ignorance to override all that Ogion had taught him and what he had learned from the school on Roke Island. He loved Ogion dearly and the way in which he cared for all humanity and every living creature. It never ceased to amaze him how Ogion was always patient, benevolent and showed humility too. He had great admiration and respect for Ogion and wanted to emulate him and use his magic to benefit humanity and for the greater good. 

One evening as Ogion had been walking along the path on his way home, he stopped awhile to rest. He happened to glance up and noticed a feather being carried along by a gentle summer breeze. The feather seemed to pirouette as if it were dancing along with the breeze. He smiled as he continued to watch it, the feather soon floated down towards him and then fell upon the ground in front of him. He stooped down to pick it up. Ogion frowned when he saw it was no ordinary feather. It had several shades of blue with a black tip in the shape of an arrowhead. He recognized it well, for it was a bad omen, foretelling of something ominous to come. The arrival of the feather had vexed him for the rest of that evening. After Ogion fell asleep that night, he was awakened from a terrible dream. Although he was unable to remember everything in detail, he had recalled enough to realise it had to be Ged, whose life was now in peril. In his dream, he saw an isolated stretch of beach and then the mouth of a cave. In his dream, he was standing outside the entrance and saw the figure of a young man who appeared to be in an unconscious state laying on the floor of a cave. It seemed as though he was being restrained though strangely Ogion saw nothing that physically bound the man's wrists and ankles, He saw the sea edging menacingly close. In the dream, the man had attempted to call out for help but it was as if his voice had been silenced. He needed to find the location in time before the sea water filled the cave throughout. Ogion was unsure in what direction he needed to go and time was slipping away. He sat awhile contemplating what to do. He decided to summon Yevaud the dragon of Pendor, Ogion was getting on in years and his senses were not always as sharp as in his youth. He needed the aid of a dragon, because of their keen sense of smell and the ability to see clearly even from soaring to such great heights, making it easier to locate Ged and with the great dragon's mighty wings and speed of flight, he would be able him to find him before he drowned or got swept out to sea and devoured by some creature from the murky depths. 

Yevaud was reluctant but then Ogion reminded him, that he owed him a debt of gratitude! Ogion had once upon a time saved his life. The dragon at one time had received a grievous wound that would have surely cost him his life had it not been for Ogion's kindness and healing powers. The dragon bowed his head in shame and then agreed to help the mage. He lowered his wings which Ogion then climbed up on and sat upon the dragon's back. Yevaud snorted then spread his magnificent wings and flew up higher and higher into the azure blue skies. Dragons were able to pick up on the scent of humans then determine the direction they needed to go. After flying towards the North Reach, he soon spotted the cave Ogion had spoken of. The dragon warned the mage to hold onto him as he swooned down to land on the northern most beach. Ogion carefully climbed down and thanked the dragon for his help. He then tried to enter the mouth of the cave but discovered he was not able to. An invisible shield had been created, making it impossible for anyone to enter or leave. Without his book of spells, he was unable to undo the spell. However, he was able to cast a spell that reversed the tides coming inwards. It gave him time he needed to devise a new plan. He saw that Ged was semi conscious and kept calling out to him several times. Ged regained consciousness after awhile then cried out to Ogion that he could not move his wrists or his ankles. Ogion told him not to fear, he explained that it was merely a spell of illusion often cast by a witch. Once Ged realised that, he was able to stand up and be free. He dusted the sand from himself. Ogion told him to look for an opening in the cave where the sun peeked through. Once he did, Ogion then instructed him to turn himself into a small creature that could escape through that opening. Ged did as he was instructed and soon found himself safely outside, He explained how the girl witch he'd befriended had lured him there under false pretence. Ogion was happy to see the young mage unharmed and Ged thanked him for coming to his rescue. They both climbed onto the back of the dragon and headed off to Gont mountain, where Ogion brewed some tea and made supper for them.          

Commentary: 

I have chosen to do my fanfic on "A Wizrad of Earthsea" (1968) Apart from the reading and watching the screening of the miniseries with the bad acting and equally bad dialogue and so on. I also listened several times to an audio reading by Ursula K. Le Guin's (YouTube). She discussed her books and being a writer; I decided to use the fanfic to include a supposed adventure using some of Vogler's (1998) archetypes. For example: Ogion is the hero as well as mentor in this piece, Yevaud is the threshold guardian but also becomes an ally. The dream represents the herald, forewarning Ogion of impending danger and finally there is the witch-girl whom Ged met earlier on who is the shapeshifter or trickster who has tricked Ged and thereby he ends up in a predicament of which Ogion had to find and rescue him with the help of Yevaud the dragon of Pendor. I've also incorporated part of the "The Writer's Journey" applying Act 0ne because it was only a short fanfic piece. Ordinary world - Ogion is going about his daily routine. Call to adventure - Ogion must go on a quest to locate Ged before it's too late. Refusal of the call - Yevaud is reluctant to get involved. Meeting with a mentor - although typically a dragon does not have a mentor, I feel that someone like Ogion who is a mage/wizard stands apart because of who he is and because he is a combination of teacher/mentor/healer/guardian and that Ogion had a way of communicating with other creatures. Crossing the first threshold applies to Ogion with the help of the dragon is able to save Sparrowhawk.            

Reference:

Le Guinn, U. (1993; 1968). A Wizard of Earthsea. In The Earthsea Quartet (pp.13-167). London:
Penguin.

http://changingminds.org/disciplines/storytelling/characters/vogler_archetypes.htm

Ursula K. Le Guin reads from 'A Wizard of Earthsea" Retrieved on: 7th Nov 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6KrU84CPKE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Wizard_of_Earthsea

Fanfiction

Part 1 Fanfiction.

Hey there. I have a story to tell you. You won’t regret listening as it is my great adventure with my best friend Tintin saving China from a Japanese invasion.

As my best friend and I travel all around the world in great adventures solving crimes and mysteries we do need rest every once in a while. We were invited to stay at the palace of the Maharaja of Gaipajama in India, which we thought was the rest we needed but this was start of another adventure.

It was another great day, I was keeping the Prince entertained and then I saw someone in the bushes. He has holding an object that did not looks safe so I ran toward him to stop him but I was too late and he fired some sort of dart in the direction of my best friend Tintin. I chased after the stranger but he was too fast and I didn’t want to chase him too much as the Prince could be in danger. When I returned to the Prince’s side I saw a crazy man dancing and Tintin yelling we must go to Shanghai.

We travelled to Shanghai on a boat. When we landed, I smelt danger but a strange sight pulled my interest. Instead of horses pulling carts there were people pulling carts to carry people on. Tintin got on so I jumped on too. It took us to the Hotel we are going to stay in. While I was being dazzled by Tintin’s talent to throw clothes in to such neat piles there was someone at the door with a message that Mr. Mitsuhirato want to see Tintin.

When we meet with Mr. Mitsuhirato, I did not like him one bit. He looked fishy to me. I thought my trusty friend would realise at once but he didn’t. He told Tintin that the Maharaja was in danger and we should return to India immediately. As we were leaving I had more doggy senses tingling but I was glad to leave this strange place.

As we were walking back to the hotel, Tintin said we were lost. Even though I knew the directions as any friendly companions will do, I kept quiet and followed. Suddenly a car drove past with submachine gun blazing. We saved by someone but our saviour was nowhere to be seen.

Back at the Hotel, Tintin and I were thinking about the stranger that saved us. We heard something at the door so we checked it outside to see nobody there but a parcel and a note. Someone wanted to see Tintin but did not want me to come because there was only one set of disguise in the parcel. Tintin left without me and I was left to guard the hotel.

Tintin came back to the Hotel all shaken and told me we should quickly return to Maharaja. On the boat I was smelt something unusual, just as I was about to warn Tintin he was pulled upwards in a lifeboat. As I was barking, something fell from the lifeboat and without hesitation I bit down and that was all I remembered.

When I woke up I was on a soft bed. On the bed Tintin laid unconscious beside me. I was so worried and when I was about to look for help I saw Tintin waking up. I was so happy that I licked all over his face.

We didn’t know where we were so we decided to have a look around. While looking around the place we were in we saw someone, Tintin shouted excuse me multiple times but strangely that person did react, suddenly as Tintin walked closer that man ranted some weird saying and started swinging a sword at us. I was so scared that I hid under a Vase. Suddenly a wise old man came in the room and stopped the mad man from killing us.

The wise old man introduced himself as Wang Chen-Yee. He revealed that he was a part of a secret society known as the Sons of the Dragon, who are devoted to combating crime in China. He told me and Tintin that Mitsuhirato was actually a Japanese spy and was responsible for opium smuggling. I knew something was fishy about that guy. Mr Wang said he needs our help in order to stop Mitsuhirato and we agreed as we can’t walk away from such bad deeds.

While listening on to Mitsuhirato’s coded radio message, we found out that he was planning to meet someone at the Blue Lotus at 10pm tonight which is a private club in Shanghai. As Tintin snuck into the Blue Lotus I stood watch outside. I was worried but on the other hand I was confident that Tintin would be alright. It wasn’t long before I saw a man and Mitsuhirato come outside and they got into a car. Just as they got in Tintin jumped out the window and told me to wait while he snuck on the back of the car. As I was worried I barked and chased after the car but Tintin shushed me and the car took off. I was so sad that I could go and help out my best friend who might need me. In case he needed me I hid in the alley way so I could be of assistance when the time was right.

I doze off for a little bit, just little and suddenly I heard crashing noises which woke me up. I rushed over only to see my dear friend Tintin running around like mad shouting Action man and Mitsuhirato laughing at him. I tried to bark some sense into Tintin but that grab the attention of Mitsuhirato who wanted to shoot me. As Mitsuhirato was coming in closer to shoot me, Tintin my dear friend threw a trash can over Mistuhirato’s head which knocked him out. I jumped into Tintins arms and licked all over his face. I was so glad that he wasn’t mad.

When we returned to the Sons of the Dragons hide out we found Mr Wang looking worried sick. He told us that Japanese occupation has begun to restore order because some bandit blew up the train tracks which killed many people. Tintin told us the real story. It wasn’t bandits who destroyed the train tracks it was Mitsuhirato. Mitsuhirato was financing the whole operation with the money he made by his drug operation. We had big days coming ahead.

I think this is enough for today. I hear Tintin calling for me. See you around if you want to hear the rest of my story with Tintin.

Part 2 Commentary

In my Fanfiction I wanted to re-tell the story in Snowy’s, a white fix terrier dog, point of view. Snowy is known to speak to the views by showing expressions that are intent for viewer and are not known to other characters in the story. I wanted to bring that character in more perspective to show what it would like in his view.

My Fanfiction does not bring all of the Vogler’s (1988: 1992) mythic structures as the story had to be cut short. Here are stages of journey that are included in my Fanfiction.

Stage 1 Ordinary world: Snowy is shown to keep company of the Prince at Maharaja of Gaipajama in India. They are taking vacation there and are showing his everyday life.

Stage 2 The Call to Adventure: When the stranger attacked the palace, Tintin takes Snowy to Shanghai. The reason is not necessary for Snowy as he is a companion to Tintin. This is the initiating incident of the story.

Stage 3 Refusal of the call: Snowy does not direct refuse the call but when Snowy and Tintin was on the boat to return to India they were kidnapped by the Sons of the Dragon and forced the refuse the fake call to India.

Stage 4 Meeting with the Mentor: When Snowy and Tintin meets with Wang Chen-Yee, he provides them with shelter and guidance to the adventure and leads them to the right way.

Stage 5 Tests, allies, enemies: Snowy gets tested on his loyalty to Tintin when Tintin tells him to stay while he chases after Mitsuhirato and a man. Even though Snowy dozed off he did stay and listen to Tintin. Allies will be the Sons of the dragon who made sure both Snowy and Tintin know who the enemy is. Enemy will be Mitsuhirato who lies to Snow and Tintin about the truth and made attempts to assassinate them. He is the mastermind of the crimes in the story.

Stage 6 The Ordeal: Snowy almost gets shot when Mitsuhirato tries to shoot him. Tintin saves him by throwing a trash can on Mitsuhirato’s head.

Stage 7 Reward: Snowy again find the loving bond between him and Tintin as he saved his life even though he could have been in danger.

Stage 8 Return with the Elixir: At the end it is not Snowy who bring information about the mastermind but it is Tintin but by showing their bond in the story it show they can be shown as one entity.

According to Vogler (1988: 1992) there are eight major character archetypes. Here are how some of them are linked to characters in my Fanfiction.

1.      Hero – Snowy or Tintin, they are both willing to sacrifice themselves to save each other. They are also willing to put themselves in danger to help China from the drug smuggles.

2.      Mentor - Wang Chen-Yee, who provides guidance and opens their eyes to the truth and the villain of the story.

3.      Herald – Is the Crazy dancing man who made Tintin go to Shanghia which starts the journey.

4.      Shapeshifter – The Sons of the Dragon seemed like the bad guys when they abducted Tintin on the boat but are later known to be the good guys.

5.      Shadow –Mitsuhirato is the villain and the drug ring leader that is the mastermind villain in my story.

6.      Ally – Both Snowy and Tintin are best friends, in return allies.

References

Bernasconi, S. (Director). (1991). The Blue Lotus from The Adventures of Tintin. Canada: Nelvana.

Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeH0xG63VXI

Vogler, C. 1998. The writer’s journey: Mythic structure for writers. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions.

The Man in the High Castle FanFic

Juliana was sitting in her car, still and silent. She was unsure of her next move. After uncovering the plot that Joe was going to kill the author, Juliana took it upon herself to make sure that didn't happen. But more men would surely be on their way. They will send another one, fiercer than Joe. Juliana thought back to Joe sitting in the hotel room with his hands around his neck. It was the only way, she reasoned, what other option did I have? Juliana felt a deep shudder within her. What if she had been wrong? Did she kill an innocent man? She shook her head to free herself of the thoughts. Mr Abendson will help me, he must. But Juliana began to doubt herself. What if Abendson does not open his door to me? What shall I do if he will not listen to me? Juliana decided to consult the oracle.

She brought out the copy of the I Ching and asked her question aloud. “Should I continue on to see Mr Abendson?” The coins fell, and she knew before she read the text that the oracle was telling her to go on. It was in her favour.

Juliana reaches the threshold of the Abendson home, and with a steady hand knocked to announce her presence. Juliana adjusted her dress, combed her hand through her hair and straightened her back. Juliana imagined how it would go, he will listen to what I have to say and thank me for what I’ve done, and what he would be like, handsome most likely and he will find me attractive. The door swung open and an older man with darker skin and glasses greeted Juliana. He was not what she had expected.

“Mr Abendson?” She asked tentatively.

“Yes” he replied, “if you are selling something I’m not interested”

“Oh no, my name is Juliana, I’ve read your book. May I come in?” Juliana inched forward, looking behind Abendson into the home, it seemed to be poorly furnished, dull almost.

Abendson viewed her with careful eyes, “what is it you want?”

Juliana faltered. Suddenly her vision started to slip, everything before her eyes was changing. The dull house didn't appear to be an ordinary house anymore but a marvellous castle. Mr Abendson was younger, his skin pale. Shadows that were ever present were gone, Juliana looked around her, the street and the view, it was different.. cluttered somehow. She turned back to Abendson and just as suddenly it had come on, the change was gone. The house was still a house, and Mr Abendson, old again.

“Miss, are you ok?” Juliana wondered if she was ok. Something very unusual had happened and she needed to sit down.

“Will you please allow me to come in, I must sit down and have a drink. Its very important that I talk to you”.

Abendson obligingly let her through and lead her to a sitting area. Abendson indicated to a seat that Juliana took. She observed her surroundings.

“It is very dull you know, I thought you lived in a castle?”

Mr Abendson regarded her with curiosity, “Not me, no. A drink?”

Juliana was feeling a little better; she composed herself and asked for an old-fashioned. “The book, how did you know to write all that? Did you use the I Ching?”

Abendson had disappeared, but soon returned with a glass in his hand, water it seemed. “I’m sorry, this is all I have”

Juliana thought it odd that only water was available in the fortress. Fortress? Juliana blinked her eyes. The room had taken on a luxurious style that was fitting for a castle.

She directed her eyes onto her drink. The contents of the glass had changed from a clear liquid to a rich amber colour. She could smell bourbon. She sensed movement around her but her eyes were clouded, she could feel sweat dripping down her back. She faced Mr Abendson; he was young again, with a woman standing close. She was very pretty, a jawline so feminine she could only be Irish. “Are you Irish?” she asks aloud.

Mr Abendson became clear and old again.

“Are you doing this? Make it stop right now” she demanded.

Mr Abendson had gotten up; he was rubbing his knuckle over his lip. “No, I’m not Irish and no I’m not doing anything. You are very odd, do you know that?”

Juliana shook her head, “You must tell me about the book. I have a right to know, did you use the oracle?”

Mr Abendson said, “ I’m sorry, I don't follow. Can I help you somehow? Is there someone I can call for you? A friend?”

Juliana began to feel angry; she stood up, standing close to Abendson, but it wasn't Abendson anymore, it was Joe staring back at her. Juliana gasped in surprise and fear.

Mr Abendsons leaned forward, his lips were moving but they were not his, they were Joe’s. Mr Abendson was moving away, Joe’s face was smiling along with it. Juliana was fast, she had her hands around Joe’s throat, squeezing as hard as she could. She heard a gurgle.. no it was Mr Abendson! What am I doing! Juliana softened her grip, she felt movement and heard the sound of a body hitting the floor as everything went dark.

Commentary

My fanfic commentary is based on The man in the High Castle where Juliana Frink goes to meet Hawthorne Abendson. I chose to use this text because I felt that the character Juliana was very original, she seemed to be almost a hero and a villain, so I decided to rewrite Juliana as an unstable character, the shapeshifter from Volger’s (1998) character archetype. Juliana has come across the book, The Grasshopper Lies Heavy after meeting Joe who she has an affair with but ends up killing him after finding out he was an assassin for the Nazi’s. I decided to use this event to build Juliana’s character as someone who is unsure of what is real and what isn’t, this comes through in the novel, but I wanted to take it a step further where she starts to psychologically unravel. In my fanfic, I have had her feel a sense of guilt for killing Joe and this really triggers the psychological breakdown. She imagines that she sees Abendson as a young man and that his home has turned into a castle, this all portrays what Juliana expected see but doesn't. When Juliana discovers that Abendson is old and living in an ordinary house her mind decides to shift to what she expected to see.

Hawthorne Abendson’s character has become the threshold guardian within my fanfic. Abendson is the character that is really there to test Juliana; he needs to try to get her to understand what is real. When he firsts meet Juliana, she is starting to slip more intensely in and out of her reality, she observes Abendson as a young guy who lives in a castle, but this is her imagination. Juliana has the opportunity to try to listen to Abendson and take his advice for calling for help. Abendson also plays a part of the mentor, Abendson wants to help her, he is sympathetic and models as a parent role. The I Ching also plays a significant part, it takes on a mentor role and it drives Juliana on to see Abendson. With that guidance and push, Juliana felt positive about going to see Abendson.

For Volger’s (1998) mythic structure, I have incorporated parts of ACT I and ACT II. For ACT I, Juliana is introduced in her world, and she follows her call from the I Ching to see Abendson. At first she is unsure so she consults the I Ching, which encourages her go on. Once she meets Abendson she ‘crosses’ the threshold’ where her world and the world of her imagination collide. She see’s Abendson as Joe but she it is her imagination. From ACT II Juliana encounters tests and obstacles to her psychosis. I have portrayed this by testing Juliana when she see’s Joe. I decided to keep the ending of my fanfic a bit mysterious as to what has happened because I felt like that was how it was intended in The Man in the High Castle. I wanted the reader to keep questioning and guessing.

Princess Mononoke Fanfiction

Human god, ‘Princess Mononoke’

 

Humans had started destroying a peaceful world. Every day they would chop down trees for their own use. However, there were different two types of people:  One of them was an ordinary type of person - Ashitaka, and the other person was San who loved nature and grew up close to animals and trees.  Ashitaka grew up in Emishi village, and always wanted to make a peaceful life. Furthermore, there was a kind of wolf god always around them. His name was Moro who had freely roamed the forests for centuries without a care. Especially, over the years San grew up with her master, Moro in a forest around Emishi village. One day, Ashitaka went to the forest around his village to find ‘Moro’ because he heard that there was a great master in the forest. However, when San first met him, she told him to go away because she thought he was the same humans who destroy nature at that time; whereas she thought she and Moro were more familiar with animals and nature than humans. However, Ashitaka went to the forest one day again and San and her master Moro finally decided to train with him together because of his persistence. Moro always had trained them to make them much stronger than humans during growing up.

 One day, when they were becoming familiar as a master and disciples, Ashitaka wondered where San was from Because Moro was very famous as a great master and wolf god, he knew Moro but he had never heard about San and she looked very strong and mysterious. He asked her about it, but she did not know about it as well because she never remembered where she was from. She asked her master about that because she grew up all the time with him, but her master avoided the answer. At that instant, Ashitaka suddenly felt such a pain in his arm. She and Moro took care of him for a while and they knew about the reason that he had the pain. That was because he was attacked by a demon who reached his village. According to what he said about it, it was a shining eyed, dark black-haired and very huge pig. After that, many days passed and he began to feel a deeper pain than before. The three of them finally visited a notorious fortune-teller who always predicted the future. According to the fortune-teller, the demon was made by people who lived in Iron-town because humans have started destroying peaceful nature. Furthermore, the fortune-teller continued to talk about something to happen now. “I am sure the demon was made by nature god. Besides, He had a curse and the curse gave him superhuman fighting abilities. He is going to die because of the curse. Also, the people destroying the world will make a grand mistake like cutting off the head of a forest god for the human’s sake. There is a huge, translucent figure in the forest. That is no mortal creature, but the most powerful nature god. The god is the forest god. As you guys are anticipating now, the beauty of the forest and nature will be drowned in a black wave as soon as the humans cut off his head.” They asked the fortune-teller about a solution to prevent the crisis. The fortune-teller gave them a mission. According to him, ‘People who save the peaceful world are only three of you guys. I do not know who it is, but I am sure one of you guys can prevent this crisis and make a harmony between humans and nature. There is a forest near the Iron-town. There is the forest god who is called the deer god. As I said, the god is the most powerful god. Please, go to there to save the world. If one of you guys does not prevent this crisis, all living things will die‘. As soon as Ashitaka and San heard about it, they thought that to solve this problem was impossible. They thought how we are meant to fight the whole villagers when there are only three of us. Also it's certain the demon will appear due because of the actions of the villagers. It is very dangerous and impossible to solve the problem. However, Moro seemed to know something we did not know while the fortune-teller was speaking. Moro told us that it is possible because god is a just god, and a human is just a human. It meant only a human can solve the human’s problem, and only god can solve the god’s problem. We could not understand what he was saying. Furthermore, Moro also told us about a secret that we did not know.

“Actually, I have a secret that I did not tell you guys before. I know the deer god very well. If you guys see his face, you guys can recognize that his face looks like the human face, whereas his body looks like a deer. The god has a daughter, and she is a god as well. Especially, it is the human god. Actually, it is just you, San. I am sorry to say this now. He asked me to raise you and make you a great human god mixing with humans very well. I could not say no. Therefore, I have trained you to make you sympathetic with nature, unlike humans destroying nature with weapons. I think now is time to approach the humans as a human god,” he said.

When San heard about it, she was in a deep grief that she was different from other people. Moreover, she knew about her parent whom she had never met. Furthermore, Moro also told about her ability she did not know. “The deer god has a great power such as to control the death and life of all living things. You also have a similar ability to cure all human’s hurt, but not save lives. The reason I hid this secret is that I was just worried when the

Humans know this truth; they might kill you because they think it is the fastest way to destroy nature because you are the god’s child. At that instant, Ashitaka recognized that she was the best way to prevent this crisis. In summary, her existence was a link between humans and nature. They went to the iron-town, but they already looked busy preparing for battle and setting out to kill the Forest Spirit. Although they were busy, they met Eboshi and told her about this secret but she did not believe this truth because she thought there was no proof and had a desire to make money at the expense of the forest. At that instant, San thought she might cure Ashitaka’s arm’s curse from the demon. She immediately touched his arm and closed her eyes. Suddenly, his arm was a full of brilliant lights and then his arm was cured. Through the proof, the all villagers looked up to her as their great human god. Furthermore, they revered her as a god. After that, she decided that she and Ashitaka would stay and help the humans re-build their town. She would be responsible for saving the forests of this beautiful world. Furthermore, there was always my master by her side as well. She was very happy.

 

How does Hill define reality TV? 

Reality TV is said to be non-scripted, using non-actors and hand held cameras as well as surveillance cameras. I have heard some reality TV shows have been staged to add more drama and so on to appeal to the audiences and boost ratings. Brunsdon et al. (2001) observes that the new style of reality television, referred to as hybrids, creates a combination of genres and formats - for example: docu-soaps - part documentary part soap opera style drama. Reality TV has evolved over time, undergoing a transformation broadening and expanding their styles and formats. Reality shows tend to monopolize prime-time viewing (e.g. Survivor) due to their mass appeal. Factual entertainment and popular factual television are umbrella terms for a variety of formatted and non-formatted reality shows.Today's modern structure can be divided into six categories; documentaries, contemporary factual; specialist factual; current affairs and investigations; arts and culture; life skills and new media. Hill (2005) states viewers want undemanding factual television. The most popular of reality shows in Britain are as follows; observation (67 per cent) information (64 percent) and created for TV (28 per cent). Young teens when asked were vocal about their preferences, disliking reality shows revolving around people's lives except for shows like 'Big Brother.' The success of Reality game shows also leads to a high demand for reality TV. In 1997, Realty shows were criticized by various British media. For example: after Independent interviewed John de Mol, creator of 'Big Brother' in 2000, they referred to reality TV' as "deprivational voyeurism' and 'psycho TV.' The term reality TV has also been referred to as 'extreme history.' There is a continued demand for Reality TV shows with 'real' people in future television as was in the past, regardless whether factual or formatted. Peter Bazalgette believes that it is human interest and not reality that is the definition of popular factual programmes. During the 1980's the term infotainment was used for programmes that were a mix of fact and fiction. At one point, the British viewed Reality TV as an American import that purported to pass so-called documentary type programmes that were more in the field of entertainment. A large part of reality TV programmes appeal to audiences is due to being able to get an intimate look into how other people live; their lives, their trials and tribulations, their successes and failures and the fact that it uses real people (you see their flaws ) not actors, the audience is then able to relate better.      

Hill, A. (2005) The reality genre. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 14 – 40). Oxon: Routledge. 

Wilcox and Lavery (2002) identify 9 defining characteristics of ‘quality TV’ – can you apply any of these to other television series that you have viewed recently? Are there any other characteristics that you could add to their list?

Wilcox and Lavery (2002) identify 9 defining characteristics of ‘quality TV’ – can you apply any of these to other television series that you have viewed recently? Are there any other characteristics that you could add to their list?

Using the 9 characteristics that Wilcox and Lavery (2002) use to identify 'quality t.v', I can identify Vampire  Diaries as ' quality T.V. Vampire Diaries was first released September 10, 2009. It is a supernatural drama t.v series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, based on the novel with the same name written by L.J. Smith. The series is about a teenage girl whose life is changed forever when she meets and starts dating a Vampire. This leads to the discovery that the reality she knew was surrounded by the supernatural; witches, Vampires, spells. The main character faces all these supernatural challenges at the same time she is fighting evil and trying to get through high school and have a relationship. 

Some of the characteristics of 'quality t.v' as described by Wilcox and Lavery (2002) that are applicable to Vampire Diaries is that the show has an ensemble cast, the show has memory, the show has a past, we remember the beginning and how it began but it keeps moving forward and developing both the characters and the overall arc or story. It also 'creates it's a new genre' by mixing in with Gothic Romances, supernatural and drama. 

Like with Buffy, the sexual content is also high. We follow Elena Gilbert through her journey in the show, the clothes she wears are not too provocative but the relationship between her and the Salvatore brothers is highly charged and often fueled with sexual tension. Vampire Diaries is also considered 'quality t.v' because it is literary based on the books by L.J. Smith. The subject matter could also be considered controversial because of the show appeals to a adolescent audience as well as adults. The depiction of what a high school girl does and appears unsupervised by any adults, similar to Buffy. Vampire Diaries also shows a characteristic towards realism, being based on a typical American high school girl, with the usual drama of popularity, relationships and an annoying younger brother. 

The only other characteristic that Vampire Diaries could be identified with would be the fact that within the overall story arc of Elena and her good vs evil battle each episode has it's own arc and within that episode the smaller arc is resolved or leads then into the wider arc that covers the entire season. It grows with each episode, having numerous aspects with the characters individually or as a group.

References

Wilcox, R. & Lavery, D. (2002). Introduction, in R. Wilcox & D. Lavery (eds) Fighting the forces: what’s at stake in Buffy the vampire slayer. Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield.

The Vampire Diaries. Retrieved 31, October 2014. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vampire_Diaries

Popular Genres: Cult Television PPt. Retrieved 31 October, 2014. From AUTONLINE Blackboard.

What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? Which is The Man in the High Castle?

What is the difference in emphasis between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction? Which is The Man in the High Castle? 

The difference between the terms science fiction and speculative fiction is that Speculative fiction you have a 'what if' situation that can either be real or not but must have a story that revolves around a more scientific arena and also is known as a subset of Science Fiction. It has similar characteristics but because of the way that it leaves a what if quality to the reality defines it as it's own also because it also uses concepts such as supernatural, futuristic and fantastical. Speculative fiction is also known as 'speculative literature' because of it's broad literary content.

Science Fiction is an imaginative genre of fiction that uses imaginative content such as  futuristic settings, space travel. It often explores the consequences of scientific and other innovations and what the reality of what life would be like if such things occurred. 

For example in Brown (2001), he says that science fiction is about the perceived reality, the good vs evil and the abuse of power.A good example of this is Star Wars (first released in 1977), here we see the reality of space travel, living on another planet. Creatures that do not exist except in that reality and what happens in the fight of good vs evil. The story also touches on the reality of what it is like to be a young man facing challenges both in relationships with girls, family and the expectations of society.  I think that The Man in the High Castle is Science Fiction with an element of speculative fiction. As stated by Brown (2001), The Man in the High Castle is an insight into real, fully developed characters that gives us a glimpse of the what if. This was I think that statement allows The Man in the white Castle to belong to both genres. 

References

Brown, E. (2001). Introduction. In Dick, P.K., The Man in the High Castle. (p.v-xii). London: Penguin

Speculative Fiction. Retrieved 31, October 2014. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speculative_fiction

Science Fiction. Retrieved 31, October 2014. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction#Other_speculative_fiction.2C_fantasy.2C_and_horror