Final Project Topic Brainstorm

Possible Topics:

• Journeying through stories with a master: I have always loved stories, but often the writers are just as fascinating as the stories they tell. I think it would be fun to pick a storyteller and be able to consult them on their thoughts of a story, almost time traveler style. I could pick an ancient/older storyteller like Homer, Aesop, or Virgil, or a more modern storyteller like Madame D'Aulnoy, Victor Hugo, or Rick Riordan. I could explore cultures' stories that are different than the storyteller, and the storyteller could then compare it to his/her own stories and culture. So perhaps Virgil explores the epics of other cultures and makes connections with his Aeneid. Source: The Aeneid by Virgil 
• Collection of stories told in modern America: One of my favorite book series is the Percy Jackson series. Percy Jackson is a demigod who lives in the modern U.S. Through his eyes we are introduced to the mythical gods, monsters, and heroes of ancient Greece who have been living in which is center of Western Civilization. I could come up with a character who introduces us to the modern fairy tale/folklore world. Perhaps Cinderella's daughter has to do a report on her mother's friends. Source: Cinderella Stories 
• Magical items: Someone is exploring an old house that has lots of different antiques. Turns out that many of these items belonged to legendary characters. When the narrator touches an item, they are able to see what happened with the person was holding that item. It would probably be easier to do with a connected story. For instance, if I chose Robin Hood, I could take a few objects that many different characters touched. So the narrator would see the different perspectives of one story. Or, it could be from different stories, but a few items were somehow shared between them. For example, a fan that was bought and sold between different legendary heroines from different times and places. Source: Robin Hood Stories
• Eleanor of Aquitaine: In my French literature pre-revolution course we discussed how Eleanor of Aquitaine was a huge influence on French language, literature, and storytelling. She was always protecting troubadours and supporting their art. So perhaps a storybook could be a new  troubadour who arrives at Eleanor's castle. They have a reason not to trust him, and so he must impress her to gain refuge. He has been all over the world and tells of the most legendary characters he has met. Source: Arabian Nights

The effigy of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Photo taken by Adam Bishop. Source: Wikimedia