100 Years of Solitude Test; Discussion & Research

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During period one, you will take a test on 100 Years of Solitude. Those of you finishing before the end of period one, should read the Peruvian story "Los Papas" and complete the questions (HOMEWORK).

After our test and discussion on 100 Years of Solitude, please go to the lab and begin writing your own magical realist story draft. (Some of you have started this already.) Use the setting exercise we did last marking period and establish a story that has a specific magical realist setting. Use details and description to present the reader with "real" settings and characters.

Start out your story with one of the graphic organizers, if you need one. Consider the major plot events that will occur over the course of your story. Plan as much as you can, knowing that you can always change your mind or redirect your focus as you are writing. Obviously, you will want to play around with some of the techniques common to magical realist stories.

Having trouble?
1. Magical realism assumes that metaphor and figurative language are real. Start or restart your story with a metaphor that happens to come true. For example: Her in-laws were pigs during the dinner for her rehearsal wedding. In magical realism, perhaps her in-laws really ARE pigs. Literally, not just figuratively. Play around with metaphor and figurative language to carry the events and themes of your idea. 
2. Choose one of the characteristics of magical realism and use it directly in your opening scene. When you have completed the possibilities of the scene, move on to another characteristic. Continue this until you have told a story. 
3. Brainstorm backgrounds and connections between your characters. How do they relate to one another, but also are isolated, alone--in solitude...
If nothing is working, pick a passage from 100 Years of Solitude and rewrite it, but change names, dates, events, wording, description etc. to create your own unique story. After a bit of stealing, most authors move on to make a story their own. 

Use your time in the lab to write.

HOMEWORK: Read the story "Los Papas" and answer the questions to turn in by next class.

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