There are several steps (with mini-steps in between!) to compiling, or putting together a mini anthology.
The first step, is deciding HOW you want to organize your anthology.
In order to do this, you must analyze your data:
1. What types of tricksters do you come across (look at your "scorecards")? (NOTE: don't just focus on physical appearance, i.e. all the tricksters are raccoons--look more deeply for who they represent in society--winners, losers, outcasts, villains, goofballs, etc.)
2. What types of moods are present among the tales you've read?
3. Any thematic/purpose based similarities between the stories?
The goal is to select 3 stories that can fall under a category or label of your choosing, based on one of the above 3 items. The only restriction is that you must be able to discuss how the remaining 2 develop the category you've chosen. The more similarities you have among your stories, the easier this will be.
For mood words, click
here.
MODEL: Creating a category based on item #1: Mischief Makers: I would focus on the trickster tales that include tricksters who just create chaos for no particular reason.
"Rabbit and the Tug of War" (cold mood)
"Espun and Grandfather" (depressing mood)
"Yesurhi Indians" (playful mood)
FREE WRITE MODEL:
The Shame Game: Mishchief-Makers in Native American
Trickster Tales
Why would anyone care about a bunch of trouble-makers that
just create chaos for no real reason? Well, in all three stories I collected the
characters bring shame to their community, and isn’t that something that we
should be aware of in our own society? Aren’t there people out there that live to be entertained by the misfortunes of others? Think about it: prank callers, bullies, even some serial killers do what they do because it creates chaos and nothing else. These trickster tales collected here really
explore the idea of trouble-makers in society, and how no one is off-limits, no one is safe from their meddling ways. The stories range from cold and depressing to light-hearted tales. I believe this is done to show how some mischief-makers are more dangerous than others. In my introduction to
the anthology I would describe how two of the stories have a more negative mood
and one has a lighter mood. The darker more negative moods cause audience
members to take these mischievous tricksters seriously and serve to warn people
of the shame and embarrassment they can bring. The Yesurhi tale is indeed
more playful but still offers warning to children: don't misbehave, or else the
Yesurhi indians will get you! Here, the tale uses goofy tactics (define this)
to discourage shenanigans among children. The mischief makers here respond to
poor behavior, whereas the mischief makers in the other two tales seek it out,
making them more dangerous and sneaky, hence why those two tales have a darker,
more serious mood.
