Peru & the Incas: Royal Hunt of the Sun

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llamas overlooking Machu Picchu

Work on the lab this morning (40 minutes) to continue writing your Magical Realist story. For those of you who need a deadline, please write your story draft (1st draft, etc.) by Monday, Feb. 4.

A short story does not have to be long. In fact as long as the story is compelling, it can be as short as a page. Many magical realist stories are longer due to the establishment of setting and character. But if you recall the works of Julio Cortazar or Borges or any of the short stories we have read for South America, you might get the right kind of length for your draft. Don't sweat it. A good story is a good story--no matter the length.

At the end of period one, please read the following about Peru and the Incas. As you read, open another tab and listen to some Peruvian pan flutes...

Then we will pick up The Royal Hunt of the Sun by Peter Shaffer and return to room 238 to begin reading it together in class. 

HOMEWORK: More information about Peru can be found here (and about the Incas) as a starting point. Please read these links, take notes, and consider how Shaffer as a writer was able to use history and culture to get an idea for his play. Learn a little about the author and take a look at the production shots from the links above and consider the elements that make this play theatrical. Bring your comments/connections to next class for discussion.

Look! Inca Mythology! Inca tales! If you become inspired while reading about Peru, write a pastoral (a poem about nature) while looking at pictures of Peru's landscape or while listening to some pan flute music...

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