Wednesday, May 23, 2007

The Game is On

I survived this semester! Sometimes I can’t believe I am done with all my course work. I ended up with an A in my class, which means I will graduate with a 4.0 from Sul Ross since all I have left are credit courses. My prospectus was approved only some minor corrections to my MLA format. So this summer I am writing my thesis then I will defend it in the fall and take my exams in October. And then I am fini!

I have been working a little on the thesis. I was really inspired after reading John Fowles The French Lieutenant’s Woman for class, so I have been playing with a more post-modern structure and meta-physical narrative techniques. I am also getting to know Mordred as a character, really getting a feel for who Mordred is to me as opposed to who he is to other people. I know that is one of the major questions of my thesis—what makes my retelling different? Why rewrite a classic?

I realize as I am typing this that I haven’t really detailed what my thesis is about. Basically, it is a retelling of the Arthurian legend from Mordred’s point of view. Of course, it won’t be an entire novel. Instead I am writing the first half. At the moment, I have outlined eight chapters and a prologue. The prologue and first chapter are in pretty good shape and I am currently working on the third chapter. Generally, I don’t write things in order. I write them as the mood and inspiration strike me. Perhaps this is why the playfulness and games of post-modern structure appeal to me.

I am also enjoying reading on the side for pleasure for the first time in a long time. I just finished Phillipa Gregory’s The Boleyn Inheritance and loved it. I am thinking of getting her Other Boleyn Girl because I hear it is even better. Of course, the world will stop come July 21st as I drink in the wonder of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It’s going to be amazing. I just know it.