  Drama
This week: Animals in the Drama Genre Edited by: Kit of House Lannister  
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A clever cat. A faithful dog. They have earned their place in fiction, and in the drama genre. They can make us laugh, go "aww", and bring a tear to the eye. But why do they, all too often, have to suffer and die?
This week's Drama Newsletter is all about the use of animals in stories.
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When I was a little girl, I went through a period of time when I loved horses. I still do, but back then my room was covered in posters of horses and ponies and I read horse-related fiction like there was no tomorrow. Most of those stories were quite dramatic, but there was always a happy ending for both the rider and the horse, which was a must for me.
There is a connection between humans and other animals, and this connection can be used to great effect in the drama genre. Who hasn't watched Bambi, or The Lion King, or Fox and Hound? In The Hunger Games, a scruffy cat is a constant throughout the trilogy and eventually triggers the healing process of the main character. In Jean M. Auel's Earth's Children series, a wolf, a horse and a lion feature in some of the most touching, tear-inducing scenes, and they are crucial to the development of both character and story.
I love animals. I love a good book and a good movie. In the last couple of years, though, I have avoided movies with animals like the plague. When I see such a movie advertised, I think "Oh, the cat/dog/horse/other species is going to suffer and/or die", because it's all become a bit predictable. The film industry counts on that emotional connection and thinks that the shock factor makes for a good story. To me, it's become old and something I'd rather not watch.
Not that it's a new thing. Bambi does not have an easy time of it, after all. I remember watching Ben - a story about a boy and a rat - when I was younger and I could not stop crying for a good while afterwards. It's just that I don't particularly enjoy the suffering, and that I can relate all too well to the loss, plus I think that for a story with animals to be effective, there is no need for either.
A dog can still win over a kid in need of a friend, and faithfully assist in character development without having to be sacrificed. The purr of a cat can soothe even the saddest character.
There are many clever ways in which an animal can be used to enhance a story. The animal in question does not need to be a dog or a cat or one of those classically seen as a companion, either. There are so many species who can be used with a bit of creativity. How about bees, or stick insects, or mice, or puffer fish? Thinking about those creatures immediately puts to mind some uses in the drama genre.
For example, stick insects are great at blending in. It can be difficult to spot them. That is something a shy, withdrawn person might want to emulate, even if that doesn't necessarily do them any favours. Puffer fish are fish who are not that great at swimming - a bit of a setback when you have to live in water - but they have a great defense mechanism and they are poisonous to most predators. They can be an inspiration for someone who does not fit into their natural environment that well. Someone who has been hurt, and might wish to take revenge...All it takes for the effective use of animals in fiction is to learn about the species in question, and ideas will pop up.
In the meanwhile, I can recommend a novel called A Street Cat Named Bob. It is a non-fiction account of the relationship between a man who has fallen on hard times, and a remarkable feline who becomes his companion. Bob's unconditional love gives his human a reason to survive and improve himself. This story does have a happy ending, and for those who enjoy happy endings, you can find clips of Bob and James on Youtube.
I wish you lots of inspiration, possibly of the furry/feathery/scaly/finny type.
kittiara |
Here are some of the latest offerings in the Drama Genre  .
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The Drama Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in!
blunderbuss - Thank you for this newsletter on the classics. I always go through a 'must re-read Wuthering Heights' moment - it always falls in November (the weather is just right then).
For another really lovable Austen character - what about Mr Knightley in 'Emma'? But for different reasons. Knightley Quote: I rode through the rain! I'd - I'd ride through worse than that if I could just hear your voice telling me that I might, at least, have some chance to win you.
I am glad I am not the only one who gets those seasonal longings for certain novels . And oh yes, Mr. Knightley is a wonderful character as well! Hehe now I feel like re-reading Emma!
~~~
Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,
The Drama Newsletter Team
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Drama: February 12, 2013 Issue [#5517]
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