Interlude 2: One Story
If all books connect together, how many total stories are there? Hint: The lowest positive whole number.
One Story
Where do writers get ideas when creating new books? Hint: Think about what writers read before writing.
From books they've read.
Is a character's physical disability in a book usually random or meaningful? Hint: Authors choose every detail on purpose.
Meaningful
What kind of wisdom might a physically blind character have? Hint: Understanding things deeper than physical looks.
Inner truth (or insight).
When should an author hint at an important character secret? Hint: Near the beginning, before it happens.
Early in the story.
What do we call a pattern or character type that repeats in many books? Hint: Starts with "A" (like hero or villain types).
An Archetype
Can a new book ever be 100% original without copying old ideas? Hint: Everyone gets inspired by past ideas.
No.
Which famous Greek story features a king who blinds himself after finding the truth? Hint: Starts with the letter "O."
Oedipus
What is it called when a person can see physically, but ignores the truth? Hint: Blind to reality, not blind in their eyes.
Metaphorical blindness.
What do words like "light" and "vision" usually represent in a story? Hint: Coming out of the dark into the light.
Truth or understanding
Why do different cultures tell similar stories? Hint: Everyone feels love, fear, and hope.
We all share human experiences
How do stories "talk" to each other across time? Hint: Reusing classic ideas in modern ways.
By borrowing characters and themes. (ideas)
How must other characters act when around a blind character? Hint: Changing how they move or speak.
They must adjust to help them.
What happens when a blind character knows a secret the hero doesn't? Hint: When the audience knows more than the hero.
Irony
What usually forces a character to finally realize the truth? Hint: A big problem or tragic event.
A major crisis.
Why does recognizing story patterns make reading easier? Hint: You can guess the ending faster.
It helps you predict what happens next.
What connects modern movies and ancient fairy tales? Hint: Heroes, quests, and villains being used in similar ways
Shared theme and character types
Besides physical sight loss, what else represents "blindness" in a setting? Hint: Conditions where you can't see ahead.
Darkness or fog
What is the main difference between sight and insight? Hint: Looking outward vs. understanding inward.
Sight uses eyes; insight uses the mind.
What should you do when a story mentions eyes or looking repeatedly? Hint: Look for the message behind the words.
Pay attention to hidden meanings.