This time yesterday, I was reading Peter Rabbit to the group of prison inmates who are in my creative writing class. It felt rather odd - they are all big, mature guys, and they might have felt insulted - but they listened politely without interrupting. I was using Peter Rabbit as an example of short story form. It's brilliant. It has a beginning, middle and end, a hero (Peter) and villain (Mr. McGregor), danger (Mr. M again), conflict (Mr. M and Peter), and a resulution (Peter's escape). But not too cosy, because Peter gets punished and isn't allowed bread and milk and balckberries for supper* like his sisters, who were "good little bunnies" (and creeps, but enough of that).
The homework is to write the story from someone else's point of view; Old Mrs. Rabbit (Peters' mum) or Mr. McGregor. The last time I asked a class to do this, the results were absolutely brilliant, and hilarious. I'm looking forward to what comes up with my present class.
*Not a treat in my book, but each to his own.
What a wonderful thing to do. I'd love to know how they get on with the exercise you've set them. And what a perfect example of the short story form. I must have read that little book hundreds of times to my daughters and they loved it.
ReplyDeleteLove your choice of book - bet that was a bit of a shock to them. Like Joanna, I'd love to know how they get on!
ReplyDeleteThat's excellent Frances. I too would like to know how this turns out. Do keep us informed. Thanks x
ReplyDeleteOh yes, like the others here, I'd love to know how they did with their homework. Sounds like a really good idea!
ReplyDeleteYou are coming up with some great ideas that I might suggest for our writing group. Let us know how the inmates get on.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanna. I think I know it off by heart!
ReplyDeleteRosemary, I'll keep you (all) posted!
Thanks, Diane and Librarian!
Maggie, it's a really good exercise in POV, and the results can be very entertaining. In my last class, we were all howling with laughter! I'll see what happens this time...
Fantastic idea - don't forget to keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteSounds a lot of fun Frances, and a credit to you.
ReplyDeleteTales of Peter Rabbit, eh? Perhaps the lads were hoping the story would tell them how to burrow their way out.
ReplyDelete(I'll get me coat!)