I'm not sure if this thread would go in this section, but hey, here goes nothing
For my Independent Novel & Research Project, I've made up my mind to write a short story set in the Victorian time period with similar ideas/ themes to certain novels. I've read Jane Eyre and I'm currently reading Great Expectations (unfortunately, these 2 novels will be the only two I'll be able to read in the short time span I have). So my idea (or originally, my teacher's idea) is to write a short story (10-20 pages), which takes place in the Victorian era and which possesses similarities as to those in Jane Eyre & Great Expectations. I truly wish that I could read a larger amount of Victorian set novels, but time is against me.
My first step of course, is to research the Victorian time period. I have never studied Victorian history; therefore, I find myself quite lost. I'd like to begin my becoming familiar with the Victorian period--it's political and social matters (race, gender, education, social classes, etc.). From this research, I will be able to complete my research component of the project and thus I may be able to form ideas for the creation of my short story.
I have 3 weeks to complete my research and create my short story. I intend to spend the majority of my Christmas holiday working on this project. I will try to finish reading Great Expectations within the next week (I think I have read half of it), and then begin my research and planning process of the story.
If anyone knows any websites I should refer to or even certain specific information that you believe would benefit in my creating this short story, I would greatly appreciate it. Also, my teacher suggested that I should maybe rent some movies set in the Victorian time period to obtain a better understanding of the type of life back then (i.e.: Wuthering Heights). Does anyone know other movies that I can take a look at to better understand the Victorian life?
Overall, my short story will show my understanding of the Victorian era; I would like to be able to create an exciting and fulfilling story surrounding the development of a character and how he/she physically and mentally grew. I enjoy writing myself but this is the first time I take upon such a breath-taking project, so if anyone has any type of ideas to help me through this project, I would love you forever. I'm a female, so maybe if I choose to create a predominant female character, I may be able to associate and develop my character at a much higher level.
In the end, I plan to create a product with:
- a Victorian setting (England?)
- a main character that grows physically and mentally
- the main character must also have a conscious, but most importantly a subconscious goal which they wish to accomplish
- a number of plots: the main plot, and a series of sub-plots (i.e.: romance, or maybe romance could be my main plot)
- ideas and themes of the Victorian era
- anything else you think would help me
Oh, I forgot to mention that I will also have to write some kind of reflection "research essay" where I will have to analyze my novel and show the similarities between it and the two novels I read (Jane Eyre & Great Expectations). This can be in terms of themes, plot, character and even symbols/ archetypes/ motifs. Speaking of motifs, I'm really struggling with this concept, and my teacher suggested that I should include a motif in my story. Would someone be willing to help me in better understanding it and maybe helping me in coming up with a motif for my short story?
I will truly be thankful to all who help me with this project (if you want, I can also add you to my bibliography, after all, you will be a source of my work =D
Reply With Quote
