Day Twelve

The Mirror of Matsuyama would definitely be a fairy tale because it fits all three criterions of being so. There was very little magical characters, wishes, objects, or changes, but the whole mirror ordeal created enough magic to identify with a fairy tale. There was indeed a happy ending in the story, but it didn't start off that way. It began as an emotional, but happy story; as the Father was preparing to go to the capital city for a couple weeks or so. Then the sad part came as the Mother died leaving the Father, and Daughter all alone.

I would assume that it was months before he remarried, but that's the case. Soon after, the Father remarried; thus beginning the dark aspects of the fairy tale. Well... Not dark, but more sadder grey areas of the story. The intimate battle that caused a short rift between the Father, and Daughter; created by the Step-Mother. The battle was short lived only because the family sorted out all the misunderstandings, and began living happily every after as do all fairy tales. The last reason it's a fairy tale is because it's pretty much serious throughout, but it has those moments that make you want to smile, laugh, or cry!

I wanted to go in a different direction with my story, but I've noticed that it still stuck to those criterions of being a fairy tale. I was hoping that it would be a Pourquoi fairy tale, but I've discovered that there is really nothing scientifically based in the story. Although, I could try and explain the scientific reason for sadness; as well as why people die. I decided against that because it didn't seem like the right approach for a children's book, and I didn't want to freak them out. Despite them being in the fourth grade; there is still a lot for them to learn about the real world, and I don't want to be the one responsible to teaching them those harsh realities. 

Now back to the task at hand... My story is definitely a fairy tale simply because the original is a fairy tale, and also it holds the same aspects as the original. Instead of the Mirror being the magical object; the boxing gloves are put in place. The story still follows the same guidelines; EXCEPT the gender roles are reversed. The Mother goes on a trip, and leaves the Father and Son alone for a couple weeks or so. Shortly after the Mother returns only to learn that the Father is dying; this time leaving the Mother, and Son alone to carry on. Like the original the Mother remarries, and the Step-Father is determined to break up the happy home; by deceptive plans. After the plans are sabotaged, or just stopped. The family learns to live happily ever after just like in all, or most fairy tales. Again to reiterate... It's also a fairy tale because it's mostly serious with bits, and pieces to make you smile, laugh, or cry! 

I'm not sure why I've included this picture, but it correlates with my theme; I just like the gloves to be honest. They look cool don't they? I mean who doesn't like Rocky right... The Italian Stallion. Eye of the Tiger... :)