1. Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?
The best storytellers in my family are all three of my sisters because they never leave out a single detail, and they tell stories in a dramatic way which excites and makes everyone laugh.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
My family tells stories whenever we have family over at our house and during holiday dinners.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
My parents always share the story about how I got my name by my sisters. Another story my mom tells is how when I was little, my sisters took such great care of me and we all were so pleasant to each other (unlike now when we're all grown up). These stories are so important to my family because they make up the people we are today. If stories like these are not told retold all the time, I wouldn't know the funny and interesting stories of my family. Also, these stories bring back good memories for my parents and grandparents, reminding them of their children being to little. Family stories are a great way to bring family together.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
The best storytellers in my family are my grandma and grandpa. They were both born and grew up in Europe and have a lot of interesting stories to tell. They are also really good speakers and know how to get your attention.
Stories are usually told at family gatherings after dinner. All the older members of the family will take turns talking about past experiences and interesting things that have happened to them.
A really important story told in my family was my grandmothers escape from Ukraine during WWII. Her father was drafted into the Red Army and was captured in the winter of 1941. It's important to us because it shows how hard life was like for them and the sacrifices they made to come to the United States.
Stories are usually told at family gatherings after dinner. All the older members of the family will take turns talking about past experiences and interesting things that have happened to them.
A really important story told in my family was my grandmothers escape from Ukraine during WWII. Her father was drafted into the Red Army and was captured in the winter of 1941. It's important to us because it shows how hard life was like for them and the sacrifices they made to come to the United States.
Family Stories Questions
The best storytellers in my family are my dad and my dad's brother(my uncle). They both do a really good job of telling stories because they have a same track of thought and lived a life together so they have a lot of vivid memories between the two of them.
The stories my family have told me all take place in southern India, where most my family lived. They lived in a rural area of India so they had a very reserved and simple lifestyle. These stories range from the 1950's to the 1980's.
The most quintessential story told in my family are when my grandfather and his 9 brothers and sisters got robbed in the middle of the night and they worked together to scare away the robbers. Another story that was told a lot was the story where my dad covered for my brother in a big talent show. They look very alike so he pretended to be like my uncle and performed a one man play to an audience of over 1000 kids. These stories were so important to the family because they are some of the most memorable moments in my families past and these stories are really fascinating to hear about.
The stories my family have told me all take place in southern India, where most my family lived. They lived in a rural area of India so they had a very reserved and simple lifestyle. These stories range from the 1950's to the 1980's.
The most quintessential story told in my family are when my grandfather and his 9 brothers and sisters got robbed in the middle of the night and they worked together to scare away the robbers. Another story that was told a lot was the story where my dad covered for my brother in a big talent show. They look very alike so he pretended to be like my uncle and performed a one man play to an audience of over 1000 kids. These stories were so important to the family because they are some of the most memorable moments in my families past and these stories are really fascinating to hear about.
Storytelling Questions-Mackenzie
1. Who are the best storytellers in your family?
My father and my grandfather are probably the best storytellers in my family. My grandfather is really nice at capturing the focus of the listeners and my father is a good speaker.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
Stories are told mainly at family gatherings around the holidays- especially at the dinner table.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
One of the big stories in my family is about my grandparents.--We call them Mémère (grandma) and Pépère (grandpa) because they're French-Canadian-- They lived in the same town growing up and saw each other (but didn't really know one another) when they would go to the movies. They actually went on a double date, but not with each other! At 17, they got engaged and began traveling the East coast and Europe at 21.
Stories like this are told and retold because they're an important connection to my family's past.
My father and my grandfather are probably the best storytellers in my family. My grandfather is really nice at capturing the focus of the listeners and my father is a good speaker.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
Stories are told mainly at family gatherings around the holidays- especially at the dinner table.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
One of the big stories in my family is about my grandparents.--We call them Mémère (grandma) and Pépère (grandpa) because they're French-Canadian-- They lived in the same town growing up and saw each other (but didn't really know one another) when they would go to the movies. They actually went on a double date, but not with each other! At 17, they got engaged and began traveling the East coast and Europe at 21.
Stories like this are told and retold because they're an important connection to my family's past.
Alex Herz Storytelling
1. Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?
The best storyteller in my family is my grandmother (on my mom's side). She often talks about her childhood a poses a unique perspective by comparing it to mine.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
Basically whenever it comes up in conversation - nothing specific about it. However, during a more festive occasion, parents and grandparents are more prone to tell stories.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
Two important stories of my family are the stories of my great grandparents escaping concentration camps during the holocaust. It is important to pass on these stories in remembrance of its horrors.
The best storyteller in my family is my grandmother (on my mom's side). She often talks about her childhood a poses a unique perspective by comparing it to mine.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
Basically whenever it comes up in conversation - nothing specific about it. However, during a more festive occasion, parents and grandparents are more prone to tell stories.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
Two important stories of my family are the stories of my great grandparents escaping concentration camps during the holocaust. It is important to pass on these stories in remembrance of its horrors.
Story telling - Ellen Goddard
1. Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?
The best story tellers in my family is my grandpa on my mother's side, because he can share a unique perspectives on past events, since he was actually present during those events, while I was not.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
We often have my grandpa over for dinner, therefore I have the opportunity to talk to him and hear his stories over the dinner table. However, he does live right next door to us, so I am gifted with the opportunity of being able to just walk over to his house and talk to him and person, rather than over the phone.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
One of the most quintessential stories in my family is when I was adopted. My parents and my grandpa can still clearly recall the night in which my mother and I arrived in the U.S. It is important to our family because that night changed our lives forever, and hopefully for the better.
The best story tellers in my family is my grandpa on my mother's side, because he can share a unique perspectives on past events, since he was actually present during those events, while I was not.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
We often have my grandpa over for dinner, therefore I have the opportunity to talk to him and hear his stories over the dinner table. However, he does live right next door to us, so I am gifted with the opportunity of being able to just walk over to his house and talk to him and person, rather than over the phone.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
One of the most quintessential stories in my family is when I was adopted. My parents and my grandpa can still clearly recall the night in which my mother and I arrived in the U.S. It is important to our family because that night changed our lives forever, and hopefully for the better.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Storytelling Questions
1. Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?
The best storyteller in my family is either my dad or my grandfather(my mother's dad). My dad is a great storyteller because he adds vivid detail and it feel like I am in the story. My grandfather is also a great storyteller because he has experienced so much in his life, and I find him to be extremely wise. I learn beneficial values and information from him and his stories.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
In my family, stories can be told in different situations, whether I'm alone with them or we are all together. Usually, the stories are told at dinner or during dessert, or even when we are just having a fun time and it reminds them of a memory worth telling.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
One story that my dad repeatedly tells my family is when my sister Lexi was born and when I was born. When Lexi was first born, she was silent and wide-eyed, whereas I was crying and crying very much. This is not only important to our family but it is also funny because my mom can look back on that moment and my sister, brother, and I laugh and try to imagine what that memory was like.
The best storyteller in my family is either my dad or my grandfather(my mother's dad). My dad is a great storyteller because he adds vivid detail and it feel like I am in the story. My grandfather is also a great storyteller because he has experienced so much in his life, and I find him to be extremely wise. I learn beneficial values and information from him and his stories.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
In my family, stories can be told in different situations, whether I'm alone with them or we are all together. Usually, the stories are told at dinner or during dessert, or even when we are just having a fun time and it reminds them of a memory worth telling.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
One story that my dad repeatedly tells my family is when my sister Lexi was born and when I was born. When Lexi was first born, she was silent and wide-eyed, whereas I was crying and crying very much. This is not only important to our family but it is also funny because my mom can look back on that moment and my sister, brother, and I laugh and try to imagine what that memory was like.
Storytelling Q and A - Lily
1. Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?
My great Aunt and my grandpa on my mom's side are the best storytellers in the family. Both of them are outgoing and like to make people laugh. My mom is also a pretty good storyteller. 2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
We tell stories to each other around the dinner table when we have family dinners, like on holidays. 3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
My parents have told us the story of how my brother and I were born many times. They're important because they're a part of our past that we would have no other way to remember. My mom and my grandpa have also told a story about making cows angry at a farm because it's funny and makes us all laugh.
My great Aunt and my grandpa on my mom's side are the best storytellers in the family. Both of them are outgoing and like to make people laugh. My mom is also a pretty good storyteller. 2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
We tell stories to each other around the dinner table when we have family dinners, like on holidays. 3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
My parents have told us the story of how my brother and I were born many times. They're important because they're a part of our past that we would have no other way to remember. My mom and my grandpa have also told a story about making cows angry at a farm because it's funny and makes us all laugh.
Marottolo 12/17 Assignment
1. Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?
One of the best storytellers in my family is my (maternal) grandfather, William Griego (or Grandpa Bill, as I call him). From being born during the closing years of the Great Depression (1937, to be exact) to serving in the Korean War on the front lines and back home on "graphic compilation" for the CIA, my grandfather has experienced a lot during his lifetime, and can recall stories from what seems long, long ago to me.
The other gifted storyteller in my family is my mother, Elisa Griego. In case you were unaware, I am part Armenian (it comes from my great-grandparents on my mother's side), and my mom has remained firmly in touch with my family’s Armenian heritage. She knows the history, mythology, and culture, and is always sharing stories about Armenia with me and my brother.
One of the best storytellers in my family is my (maternal) grandfather, William Griego (or Grandpa Bill, as I call him). From being born during the closing years of the Great Depression (1937, to be exact) to serving in the Korean War on the front lines and back home on "graphic compilation" for the CIA, my grandfather has experienced a lot during his lifetime, and can recall stories from what seems long, long ago to me.
The other gifted storyteller in my family is my mother, Elisa Griego. In case you were unaware, I am part Armenian (it comes from my great-grandparents on my mother's side), and my mom has remained firmly in touch with my family’s Armenian heritage. She knows the history, mythology, and culture, and is always sharing stories about Armenia with me and my brother.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
Aside from visiting relatives (on special occasions or smaller get-togethers), many of the stories and traditions important to my family derive from our religion. I am Armenian Orthodox (though my father is Catholic, so I am very familiar with that church as well), and as I already mentioned above, Armenian stories, mythology, and history form a majority of the stories passed down in my family.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
While there are many stories that are a part of my day-to-day life at home, perhaps the most important, and the most meaningful to me, again comes from my Armenian heritage. This is the story of how my great-grandparents survived the Armenian Genocide (1915 - 1923). Not only is this story, and the entire history of the Armenian Genocide, particularly emotional for me, but the historic significance of my great-grandparents history, and the impact which the Genocide continues to have on Armenian culture today, make this story very important to me and my family.
Storytelling Brainstorming - Phoebe
1) Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?My grandmother on my father's side, definitely. She tells stories about her childhood all time, and many of her stories are incredible. She can keep the whole room entertained for an hour a time.
2) Where and when are stories told in your family?
Always around the dinner table, most often at my grandparents house; on a typical night, with all of my cousins and aunts and uncles, we won't leave the table for hours after we finish eating.
3) Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
2) Where and when are stories told in your family?
Always around the dinner table, most often at my grandparents house; on a typical night, with all of my cousins and aunts and uncles, we won't leave the table for hours after we finish eating.
One of the most overused stories in my family is the one about my dad's first interaction with my mother's parents. It's a hilarious story that my grandmother hates because it's a bit embarrassing for her. It's an important one because it makes us all laugh together, and I think it's retold so many times because of the same reason.
12/17 Stories Harry
"Once a word has been allowed to escape, it cannot be recalled" (Q. Horace)
1. (Who tells the stories)
My dad and my grandparents (mother's side). My
dad's side of the family has an interesting variety of personalities leading to
some interesting, unique stories. On the other hand, my grandmother has a very
close relationship with her neighborhood and people around her while my
grandfather enjoys many forms of satire including dry, pun-related, and
intellectual: together or independent, their stories can be very vivid.
2. (When/Where are they told)
Stories tend to be told during holidays where my
family gathers: Christmas, but more so Thanksgiving. Other times might be during
dinner if everyone is present; our stories tend to be humorous or mocking (told
jokingly), and gatherings are the best places to elicit laughs.
3. (A quick story)
Merely a quick story about my great-grandfather's stubbornness with a mite of humor.
As a present for my great-grandpa, my dad and grandpa planned to buy him some rollerblades; my great-grandfather loved to ice skate. Unfortunately, you simply cannot ice-skate year round in New England. Rollerblades had seemed appropriate as a present, so that he could do what he enjoyed to do year round. So, on his birthday he was given the present, and saw the skates. Quite pleased, he began to try them out. However, despite being a proficient ice-skater... my great-grandpa had no talent for rollerblading at all: he fell down immediately and got hurt (not badly, but enough for a cast). Rather embarrassed, he had to wear a cast for a month. It can be noted that this was much to his dismay; my great-grandpa hated being crippled, no matter how minor the handicap. At last it was time for the doctor to take the cast off, however the doctor planned on charging a fee for the removal of the cast. My grandpa hated, even more that being injured, unnecessarily paying for services he felt he could do himself: much to the doctor's dismay, he left the hospital immediately. Once home, he proceeded to take a rather sharp knife, and cut off the cast.
While rather simple, this story illustrates how much of my family can be stubborn, doing what they would like instead of a 'safer' choice, myself included. Although we do not tell too many stories, I think they are important and integral because being able to laugh connects people; telling jokes, funny stories effectively unites my family. They are told to bring about laughter and happiness, and are retold for those same reasons. Even if it never repeated, once is enough to bring everyone closer together (even if only a little bit).
While rather simple, this story illustrates how much of my family can be stubborn, doing what they would like instead of a 'safer' choice, myself included. Although we do not tell too many stories, I think they are important and integral because being able to laugh connects people; telling jokes, funny stories effectively unites my family. They are told to bring about laughter and happiness, and are retold for those same reasons. Even if it never repeated, once is enough to bring everyone closer together (even if only a little bit).
Storytelling Questions
1. The best storyteller in my family is my Uncle Ernie. He always tells the funniest stories at the best moments just to embarrass his siblings (namely my mother) and to have a good laugh. He's not a fan of telling all the details, and he often exaggerates the truth to make the story funnier.
2. The stories my Uncles usually tell are at night when my family is playing cards at the kitchen table. Everyone is in a great mood, and the storytelling and games usually go one to as late as 1 a.m! Stories are also told when we are sitting around at parties, especially on holidays when people are the happiest.
3. For some reason the story I hear the most is an embarrassing story about how my mother stuck her hand in a box full with popcorn when she was 3 years old. Apparently the popcorn was infested with red ants, and by the time my mother had found out about this she was screaming and running around like crazy. My grandmother had to douse her with a bucket of water and strip her of her clothes. I like this story because it usually gets my mothers face a little red and everyone gets a good laugh out of it every time it is told by somebody.
2. The stories my Uncles usually tell are at night when my family is playing cards at the kitchen table. Everyone is in a great mood, and the storytelling and games usually go one to as late as 1 a.m! Stories are also told when we are sitting around at parties, especially on holidays when people are the happiest.
3. For some reason the story I hear the most is an embarrassing story about how my mother stuck her hand in a box full with popcorn when she was 3 years old. Apparently the popcorn was infested with red ants, and by the time my mother had found out about this she was screaming and running around like crazy. My grandmother had to douse her with a bucket of water and strip her of her clothes. I like this story because it usually gets my mothers face a little red and everyone gets a good laugh out of it every time it is told by somebody.
Storytelling Q&A
1. Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?
Overall the best storyteller in my family is my Dad, because when he tells stories he gets very into it. He always shares the very obscure details, and when he's telling the stories it's like he is reliving the moment, and sharing it with all of the listeners.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
Usually I'd say that stories are told in the late afternoon-nighttime. This is usually the perfect timing since everyone is out of work, and everyone is trying to destress from the day that they had. More often than not, lots of stories are told around the holiday times when large gatherings of my family are all together. We will tell stories while all sitting eating dinner, or sitting around looking at the fireplace. Additionally, on long car rides when passing time, stories are usually told as entertainment.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
One of the prominent stories that I hear on occasion is the story of how my parents met. This story is significant for obvious reasons, I mean I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for that. It's just a story that's always retold because it's funny and it's nostalgic for my parents. Other stories that are less light-hearted are usually told, for they have a deeper meaning or they have some type of lesson to be learned from them.
Overall the best storyteller in my family is my Dad, because when he tells stories he gets very into it. He always shares the very obscure details, and when he's telling the stories it's like he is reliving the moment, and sharing it with all of the listeners.
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
Usually I'd say that stories are told in the late afternoon-nighttime. This is usually the perfect timing since everyone is out of work, and everyone is trying to destress from the day that they had. More often than not, lots of stories are told around the holiday times when large gatherings of my family are all together. We will tell stories while all sitting eating dinner, or sitting around looking at the fireplace. Additionally, on long car rides when passing time, stories are usually told as entertainment.
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
One of the prominent stories that I hear on occasion is the story of how my parents met. This story is significant for obvious reasons, I mean I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for that. It's just a story that's always retold because it's funny and it's nostalgic for my parents. Other stories that are less light-hearted are usually told, for they have a deeper meaning or they have some type of lesson to be learned from them.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Penderecki's Threnody
This isn't intrinsically related to Mona in the Promised Land, but the dialogue between Mona and Sherman about his Japanese culture, especially that scene where Mona's mother briefly mentions WWII, reminded me of a piece I recently discovered:
A threnody is a song or poem of mourning, often composed in memory of a specific individual or group of individuals. This piece in particular was written to commemorate the suffering of the victims of the Hiroshima bombing. It may sound rather bizarre at first, but I feel that it very strongly portrays the horror of the bombing at Hiroshima.
A threnody is a song or poem of mourning, often composed in memory of a specific individual or group of individuals. This piece in particular was written to commemorate the suffering of the victims of the Hiroshima bombing. It may sound rather bizarre at first, but I feel that it very strongly portrays the horror of the bombing at Hiroshima.
Homework for 12/17
After watching the video (about Gish Jen's storytelling as well as her parents'), write a post that answers the following questions:
1. Who are the best storytellers in your family? Why?
2. Where and when are stories told in your family?
3. Identify one or two quintessential stories told in your family. Why are these stories so important? Why are they told and retold?
Monday, December 14, 2015
Alice Frederick - "Mirrors"
Another slam poem by a girl with parents from another country. I really like this one, because the imagery is subtle but powerful. Take a look:
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Namkyu Oh: "For My Little Cousins"
Phoebe recommended this poem by Namkyu Oh, which connects in endless ways to Mona in the Promised Land. Give it a listen.
The Chief in the Pancake House- Jenna and Amiya
Chief (sane)
Mona
Setting: Father’s pancake house (Mona is the host, shows him to his table)
I look up from my place behind the counter, to see a large, awkward man lumber into the restaurant. He must be at least 6’8”!!!!!
I walk into the restaurant. There’s a bit of a draft, on this cold winter morning. I go up to the desk, and ask for a table. The young girl leads me to a table in the corner of the restaurant.
I ask him if this is his first time in New York, because he looked a bit lost.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been this far northeast. I’ve been away for quite some time.”
“What have you been doing that has kept you away for so long? By the way, I never introduced myself, but my name is Mona Chang, and I’ll be your waitress for today”
“I’ve been spending my time in the pacific northwest, reconnecting with my family on our reservoir.” It felt weird to be giving away so much personal information about myself to this stranger that I’ve never met before.
I could tell that he was hesitant to tell me, so I laid off for a while on the personal questions. I took his order and then went to the back of the restaurant.
I sat for a moment in silence, observing all that went around me, the interactions that the people were having.. It felt like I was back in the ward, silently being the eyes and ears of the restaurant. I still can’t believe that it’s only been a few mere months since I escaped from the grasp of the Combine. I feel free.
I watched the tall man from a distance as I waited for his food to be made. All of the sudden, I hear my father behind me. I turn around. “Mona, are you working??? Go back and talk to your customers.”
Surprised, I hear Mona being yelled at by a figure that I assume is her father. As she walks away, I can tell that she is very annoyed and embarrassed by what had just happened.
“Your food will be ready as soon as possible, is there anything else I can get for you?” I say, trying to cover up my embarrassment.
“Actually a cup of coffee would be nice.” I look up and make eye contact with her. I give a meek smile, it felt weird to be conversing with Mona, for I haven’t really had this type of interaction with anyone for several months. It’s weird, but it feels like a familiar sense that has been absent from my life for years. I’m starting to welcome this feeling back into my life.
I wanted to talk longer; however, I heard the chef call out my name. I rush back to the kitchen to grab his breakfast, and I hurry back over to his table.
When she placed the freshly made food in front of me, I invited her to sit down with me, seeing as I was the only at the restaurant at the time.
Glad to be relieved of my waitress duties, I sat down and we talked.
It had seemed like no time had past, but by the time I looked at the clock on the wall, it was almost noon. I started rushing, hurriedly moving, she went to go get the bill.
I got the check for him, while he began packing up the stuff. He began thanking me for noticing him, and talking to him. I turned to go get him a takeout menu.
After she left, I hurriedly left the building.
When I come back to the table, I notice that all of his stuff is gone. I was disappointed, but I hoped he would come back.
I never even learned his name.
I never came back to the pancake house.
Chief in an Arcade (Alex, David, Harry)
Mona Meets the Chief
Alex, David, Harry
Scene:
(Chief walks into arcade; door swings shut behind him. He’s surrounded by flashing signs floating across brightly pixelated screens. So many colors, light coming from every side, it’s so bright - but it’s not cold like the light from the Ward, energetic and blinding and colorful and vibrant)
Chief: (Speaking to himself) What is this place?
(Mona, sitting nearby, watching the boys play various games hears the Chief and responds without turning)
Mona: (sardonically) It’s an arcade. You play games: it’s fun.
(the Chief approaches and peers over Mona’s shoulder at the group of teenagers and the game they’re playing - Pac-man. He easily towers above them. Mona turns and is startled by his unexpected, intimidating size)
Chief: How do you play? What happens if you win?
Mona: You don’t win; you keep playing. See the yellow circle? That’s pacman and he can’t touch the ghosts.
Chief: Is it a maze? But there are exits on the side?
(A loud tone signals that the boy playing has lost- laughter ensues.)
Mona: The exits just connect back to each other - you can’t actually leave the game.
(The Chief asks to play, and Mona lends him a quarter. The Chief plays a few rounds, failing at first but getting better near the end. The same tone plays again, signalling that the Chief lost)
Chief: This is pointless: there’s no way out. The game just keeps going on and on until you can’t win. That’s not a game, that’s impossible.
Mona: That’s the point! It doesn’t end so you can keep playing. That’s what makes it addicting. It’s just a game anyway.
(Mona sighs and looks back towards the boys, ignoring the Chief. The Chief stands, watching a while longer then leaves. It is raining outside)
Chief: (looking at the drab buildings and sky) At least it’s real.
end scene
Monday, December 7, 2015
Angie and Ellen
Setting: Department store - both are “lost”
Narrator: Chief is in the department store purchasing new clothing and necessities following his momentous break out on the ward. However, during this process, he becomes lost and eventually bumps into a teenage girl, who is also lost in the store.
Chief: Hello. Do you work here, because its seems I cannot find the clothing section.
Mona: Sorry, no I don’t work, I’m just here to purchase some dinner for tonight, but I’m also lost myself. By the way, my name is Mona.
Chief: Hello Mona, my name is Chief Bromden and I have come a long way from Oregon and am unfamiliar with department stores, as it’s been a long time since I’ve been outside the ward. I feel like I’m both mentally and literally lost in this new world.
Mona: I could say the same, since, I too am conflicted. I can’t decide whether to just be myself or use people to fit in and become popular. Sometimes I don’t even know that I’m using people to the point in which I hurt those I like or even love.
Chief: Maybe we can help each other through our problems. I can help you find the food you need, and you can help me find some acceptable clothing. On the way to finding how to get out of this store together, we can mentally get out of this “store” as well.
Mona: I would be able to help you adjust to the outside world, considering you haven’t been apart of society in a while.
Chief: And I could help you overcome the pressures of the Combine. I also allowed myself to be pushed around and told what to do. Luckily, I was helped by a dear friend, McMurphy and I strayed from my title “deaf and dumb.” He taught me that inner confidence and laughter is what gives people strength and unity with those around them.
Mona: I guess I’ll figure it out as I go. Your advice will guide me in the right direction in the future, and I will try to be myself in lieu of being society’s image of a young teenager. And as for you, I suggest starting a new life and moving on from life in the ward.
The two arrive at the exit and say their goodbyes, going their separate ways.
Mona gets stood up. (Jake Kulak and Tim Petit)
Mona is sitting alone at a table in a deli in New York. She is about to finish her Italian combo when a big Indian man comes stomping through the screen doors. The man spots Mona sitting by herself, and decides to approach her. The Chief sits down across from Mona.
Chief: “What is your name?”
Mona appears startled by the strangers direct approach, and reluctantly gives him her name.
Mona: “My name is Mona. What is yours?”
Chief: “Some call me the Chief.”
Mona: “What should I call you?”
Chief: “Call me what you think I am.”
Mona: “But what should I think of you?”
Chief: “What does the Combine think?”
Mona: “The what?..”
Mona twists her head in a 90 degree angle, trying to understand what the Chief could have possibly meant.
Chief: “The Combine. Society. Everything. What do you think I am?”
Mona: “Well, I think that you might be an Indian.”
Chief: “Why?”
Mona: “Because you don’t have a home.”
Chief: “How do you know that I do not have a home?”
Mona: “I saw you wandering around outside for a while before coming in. And your clothes… they’re so raggy!”
Chief: “Just because I’m a Native American doesn’t mean that I don’t have a home. America is my home. Just like it is yours.”
Mona: “I know, I’m sorry I didn't mean to offend. it’s just the way things are in this country.”
Chief: “That’s what is so sad. People change their way of thinking and beliefs based on stereotypes the combine puts forth. You are no different. Now excuse me, I’m going to find more polite company.
Mona Meets Bromden Surya and frisbee
(Scene starts with the Chief walking up the path to Mona’s house. His smoking car is in the background)
Chief: *Knocks on her front door*
Mona: *Opens the door*
Chief: My car broke down, may I use your phone?
Mona: Umm… I am sorry sir but I don’t really know if it’s a good idea.
Chief: I just need the phone is all, maybe the bathroom too if it’s not too much trouble. I won’t try anything, I just need to call my friends to pick me up.
Mona: Umm.. Ok. I guess. Just the bathroom and a phone call.
(lets him in)
Chief: Thanks (Chief walks to the bathroom)
(Mona walks into the kitchen, sits down, and has a snack when her mother walks in)
Helen: You know your father will be home any minute
Mona: Ok, I’ll be ready in a minute
(Chief walks out of the bathroom)
(Helen looks at the Chief, astonished that a random man just walked out the bathroom)
Helen: WHO THE HELL ARE YOU
Mona: Mom, he just needed to use the bathroom and the phone, please don’t be mad
Helen: Mona, how could you just let a random stranger into our house! And one… like… like him!
Mona: What do you mean, like him? Because he’s Indian?
Helen: No Mona, this is the U.S. of the A, I’m not saying this because he’s indian, I’m saying this because... look at him! He must be eight and a half feet tall!
Chief: Six-six, actually…
(Helen glares at him)
Mona: Mom, he crashed his car, what was I supposed to do, just let him sit by it alone and wait for a tow truck to appear?
Helen: He crashed his... NO
(Helen runs to the window, looks out and sees yet set another of car tracks on their front lawn)
Helen: No! Not again!
(end scene)
Lily and Mackenzie's Script
Both the Chief and Mona are in the convenience store. They walk over to the dairy aisle, in search of milk. The two reach for the last carton of milk at the same time.
Chief: “Oh...sorry,” he says quietly and retracts his hand.
Mona: “No, no I’m sorry.” She says, slightly intimidated by the larger man.
Chief: “No. You can have it.”
Mona: “Are you sure?”
Chief: “yes.”
Mona takes the milk, and the Chief goes to another aisle to find a gallon of water.
Later, the two meet again while in the checkout line. The Chief is in front of Mona, and he tries to avoid talking to her, but Mona notices him. He towers over her.
Mona: “Hi again.”
Chief: While turning around, he mutters “Oh...hello.”
Mona: “Thank you for letting me take this milk. My mom just ran out and she needs it to make dinner.”
Chief: “You’re welcome.”
Mona: “My name is Mona, by the way.”
Chief: “...”
Mona: “And you are…?”
Chief: “Bromden.”
Mona: “Well good to meet you, Mr. Bromden. Thanks again for the milk.”
Chief: “You’re welcome.”
Mona: “Hey, by the way, are you an Indian? I don’t mean to be nosey or anything, I’m just curious.”
Chief: “You could say that I am.”
Mona: “Oh cool. It’s kinda neat meeting different people. Sorry, I just like knowing other people’s backgrounds.”
The cashier rings a bell, indicating that the next customer can check out. The Chief proceeds to walk towards the checkout counter.
Mona: “Hey! It was nice meeting you, Mr Bromden.”
Chief: “You too.” He lumbers away without looking back.
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