In-class writing 10/28/15

1. Are there any prominent symbols in the story? If so, what are they and how are they used?

The main character/ mad scientist mentions some of the prominent symbols in the story. Terms like experiments, Martians, and the world are used more often than not. An example would be when the scientist tried to apologize to his girlfriend’s father about his actions (unstated) when they were having a conversation about Martians. He also mentions that the Martians are taking over the world. The scientist also talks a lot about his scientific progress and achievements throughout the reading and mentions his laboratory, all the work he has done and his secret double life (Probably related to the Martians).

2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work, with which you were able to connect.

I connect most with the secrets kept in a relationship when the character mentions about his “evil” side and all the things his girlfriend doesn’t know about him. The predicament of either revealing your true self to somebody or not has a significant impact on the main character’s relationship with his girlfriend.

3. What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium would you use?

One thing I find interesting is the information you get from the context of an apology letter. If I were to make this into a film, I would add scenes that would take place before the letter is written. Maybe even have the opening scenes a close-up of the girlfriend holding the letter. I think the voice of the author captured a lost romance that this character is reminiscing about. The choice in words that described their relationship was well written as well as the format of the letter. Because of this, I would choose to have a voice over narrator read certain passages of the letter and have actors portray some of the events that are mentioned. I can imagine a combination of a mad scientist movie like Dr. Strangelove and a romantic chick flick like Dear John.