Week 10: Reading Notes Great Plains Part B

Continuing on reading the stories of the Great Plains, I took notes on stories that really struck out to me or were unique and I wanted to make note of it. I am excited to see what I end up writing about for writing a story.

(Image Information: Great Plains

Great Plains LCC Source: Wikipedia)

The Ghost and the Traveller

• I had to read this a couple of times to really understand what was going on
• I like how there's background information given
• I'm still not really sure the message, or symbolism behind this story

The Man Who Shot A Ghost

• This story had an interesting plot - something I didn't expect
• I also like how at the end there's an ending that confirms that all that happened was true - sometimes ghost stories are represented as myths and you can't really tell whether the character actually experienced it or not.

The Indian Who Wrestled with a Ghost

• I really like how detailed the women was described - from what she looked like physically to what she was wearing down to the jewelry 
• This was the first story that I actually understood the message at the end, and why certain events occurred. This message shows how many Native American stories uphold ghosts, and what they have to say as in this story.
• Knowing this I could definitely make a story with the ghost and make sure a message is clear

The Wakanda, or Water God

• This story is one of my favorites so far in Part B - I like how much symbolism there is and the detailed events.
• I still don't understand the meaning of white-haired dogs and their significance in this story but it was interesting to see that they were used as a form of "payment"
• This story kind of reminded me of Hansel and Gretel in a way, and it would be cool to retell the story but using this plot. 

The Spirit Land

• Thinking about Part A, and how a deer was so important to the creation of earth it made me wonder why a Crow was used in this story - and how these stories decided the animal responsible for creation
• I like the symbolism in this story and how every single thing the crow did contribute to the creation of the spirit land
• Maybe, it would be cool to come up with my own creation story with an animal of choice 

Why the Possum Plays Dead

• This story was so entertaining - I like how at the end we discover the meaning of the story and how every event in the story leading up to the ending has contributed to the significance of the possum playing dead
• I really think it would be a fun idea to have some type of modern day story where a family is in a car and see a "dead" possum on the highway and learn the significance of a possum playing dead

Bibliography: Judson's Great Plains Unit Reading Guide Part B