Reading Notes: Twenty-Two Goblins Part A
Overall Impression:
I really enjoyed the story style of these stories. Solving riddles are always fun, especially when you don't have to worry about your head exploding for a wrong answer! It is fun to try and guess the correct answer before reading it and seeing your fate. I found myself getting better with each story. Once you understand the values and ideals the stories are secretly teaching, you can better answer the ending riddle.
I think this would be a fun aspect to include in my future stories. It would take a little extra planning, but riddles are fun ways to teach values as well as keep a reader engaged.
Likes/Dislikes:
The translation of the Sanskrit names was fun to see. Having names like spotless and clean-cloth are a little humorous, but there are names like lovely or grace that really encompass their character traits. It was cool to see how the names of the characters embodied who they were told to be.
I like the portrayal of the King. At first he seems kind of foolish for throwing out all those gems, but through each story, and each correct answer, you see his wit and intelligence shine. He is also very determined and brave as he keeps going back for this creepy Goblin in a cemetery time and time again. He is exactly what people think of when they imagine an honorable king.
The plot of the stories all feel very similar, there's usually three people to choose between and they are competing either for a woman or a recognition of their skill/value. It would be interesting to see a little more complexity. Maybe part B has more in store.
Favorite stories:
The Girl, Her Husband, and Her Brother was one of my favorites. The names in the story and the overall ending of switching the heads on the bodies is just funny. I also enjoyed the story Food Women and Cotton. This one had humorous elements as well, but also reminded me of the princess and the pea. It is always interesting to see overlaps in stories of different cultures.
This image was my favorite from these stories. It depicts the creepy nature of a Goblin possessing a dead body and the bravery and steadfastness of the King.
Bibliography: Twenty-Two Goblins Unit, translation of the Sanskrit Vetālapañcaviṃśati by Arthur Ryder. Full Text: Twenty-Two Goblins Book.
I really enjoyed the story style of these stories. Solving riddles are always fun, especially when you don't have to worry about your head exploding for a wrong answer! It is fun to try and guess the correct answer before reading it and seeing your fate. I found myself getting better with each story. Once you understand the values and ideals the stories are secretly teaching, you can better answer the ending riddle.
I think this would be a fun aspect to include in my future stories. It would take a little extra planning, but riddles are fun ways to teach values as well as keep a reader engaged.
Likes/Dislikes:
The translation of the Sanskrit names was fun to see. Having names like spotless and clean-cloth are a little humorous, but there are names like lovely or grace that really encompass their character traits. It was cool to see how the names of the characters embodied who they were told to be.
I like the portrayal of the King. At first he seems kind of foolish for throwing out all those gems, but through each story, and each correct answer, you see his wit and intelligence shine. He is also very determined and brave as he keeps going back for this creepy Goblin in a cemetery time and time again. He is exactly what people think of when they imagine an honorable king.
The plot of the stories all feel very similar, there's usually three people to choose between and they are competing either for a woman or a recognition of their skill/value. It would be interesting to see a little more complexity. Maybe part B has more in store.
Favorite stories:
The Girl, Her Husband, and Her Brother was one of my favorites. The names in the story and the overall ending of switching the heads on the bodies is just funny. I also enjoyed the story Food Women and Cotton. This one had humorous elements as well, but also reminded me of the princess and the pea. It is always interesting to see overlaps in stories of different cultures.
This image was my favorite from these stories. It depicts the creepy nature of a Goblin possessing a dead body and the bravery and steadfastness of the King.
(Image from Mythology and Folklore UN-Textbook)
Comments
Post a Comment