Option 2: Write a reimagining of a fairy tale, and set it in either Southern or Eastern Asia
In this option you will be rewriting a well-known fairy tale (like Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, Snow White, the Little Mermaid, etc.) using things you have learned in your Social Studies class: like geographic & cultural features
Your story should include at least 3 images
Link to the detailed guidelines for this option:In this portfolio option you will be reading the classic version of Cinderella as well as two different versions from different cultures. You will answer some questions about the similarities between these versions, and then write your own cultural fairy tale (based on a classic fairy tale) set in either Southern or Eastern Asia (the areas you have been learning about in Social Studies).
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To see an example portfolio for this option, Click Here
(Please remember that for this portfolio option you also have to submit your answers to the Cinderella questions to the dropbox too)
Title: The Lotus Princess
Once upon a time, in a beautiful kingdom in Eastern Asia, there lived a kind-hearted and courageous princess named Mei Ling. The kingdom was known for its breathtaking landscapes, lush green rice fields, and vibrant cherry blossom trees. Mei Ling's parents, the King and Queen, had passed away when she was very young, leaving her in the care of her strict stepmother and her two jealous stepsisters.
Mei Ling, with her almond-shaped eyes, porcelain skin, and graceful demeanor, stood out from the rest in the kingdom. However, her stepmother and stepsisters resented her natural beauty and constantly mistreated her, forcing her to carry out the chores of the household. Despite her hardships, Mei Ling remained resilient, finding solace in the breathtaking lotus pond near the kingdom.
One day, the Emperor of a neighboring kingdom invited all the maidens of the kingdom to a grand ball in honor of his son, Prince Tian. The air was abuzz with excitement as the entire kingdom prepared for the event. Mei Ling's wicked stepmother and stepsisters were overjoyed, as they believed their chance to secure their futures had arrived.
Under the cherry blossom tree near the lotus pond, Mei Ling silently wept, longing to attend the ball but knowing her stepmother would never allow it. Suddenly, a gentle breeze blew, and a small, delicate fairy emerged from the lotus petals. She introduced herself as Ling, the guardian spirit of the lotus pond.
"I have heard your prayers and seen the kindness in your heart, Princess Mei Ling," Ling said. "I will grant you a gift, for you deserve to attend the ball and find true happiness."
With a wave of her wand, Ling transformed Mei Ling's tattered clothes into an elegant silk gown, adorned with golden threads and delicate lotus patterns. She placed a pair of dainty golden lotus slippers on Mei Ling's feet and warned her to return home before midnight.
As Mei Ling arrived at the grand ball, her beauty captivated everyone in the room, including Prince Tian. They danced gracefully together, lost in each other's presence. Mei Ling's stepsisters watched with envy and curiosity, unable to recognize her amidst the splendor of the ball.
Hours passed, and as the clock struck midnight, Mei Ling, fearing the loss of her magical transformation, rushed out of the labyrinth-like palace. In her haste, one of her lotus slippers slipped off, left behind on the palace steps.
Prince Tian, infatuated by Mei Ling's beauty, searched the kingdom for her. He found every maiden trying on the golden lotus slipper, hoping to be the one it belonged to. Finally, he arrived at Mei Ling's home, where her stepmother and stepsisters eagerly presented themselves as the owners of the slipper.
One by one, they tried to fit their feet into the slipper, but it was too small for them. Just as the prince was about to give up, Mei Ling appeared, her face radiant. With grace and elegance, she slipped her foot into the slipper, which fit her perfectly. Prince Tian recognized her immediately as the princess from the ball, and his heart swelled with joy.
Prince Tian proposed to Mei Ling, and she accepted, bringing harmony to both kingdoms. The lotus pond, forever touched by Mei Ling's kind spirit, blossomed even more beautifully, becoming a symbol of their love and happiness.
And so, Mei Ling and Prince Tian lived happily ever after, celebrating the unity of their kingdoms and the eternal beauty of their love.
Image 1: A stunning landscape of the Eastern Asian kingdom, showcasing the lush green rice fields, cherry blossom trees, and a tranquil lotus pond.
[Insert Image 1]
Image 2: Mei Ling, standing near the lotus pond, adorned in her transformed silk gown, gazes wistfully at her reflection in the water, wishing for a better life.
[Insert Image 2]
Image 3: The grand ball in the neighboring kingdom, where Mei Ling captivates everyone with her ethereal beauty, caught in the arms of Prince Tian as they dance together.
[Insert Image 3]
when summed down whats the culture of the story
The culture depicted in the story is inspired by Eastern Asian cultures, with elements such as landscapes featuring lush green rice fields, cherry blossom trees, and a tranquil lotus pond. The story also incorporates traditional clothing, with Mei Ling's silk gown adorned with golden threads and delicate lotus patterns. The concept of guardian spirits and magical transformations also draws from mythologies and folklore found in Eastern Asian cultures.
To write a reimagining of a fairy tale set in either Southern or Eastern Asia, follow these steps:
1. Research the cultural and geographic features of the chosen region (either Southern or Eastern Asia) to understand the unique elements and characteristics that can be incorporated into your story. Consider aspects such as traditional clothing, customs, landscapes, architecture, and mythology.
2. Choose a well-known fairy tale as a base for your reimagining. You can select a popular story like Cinderella, Snow White, or Beauty and the Beast. Familiarize yourself with the original tale to understand its basic plot and essential elements.
3. Identify the key cultural elements you want to incorporate into your story. This could include traditional clothing like hanbok in Korea or kimono in Japan, iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China or Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or mythical creatures like dragons or fairies specific to the region.
4. Adapt the plot and characters of the chosen fairy tale to fit the chosen region. Consider how the cultural and geographic features can shape the story. For example, instead of a glass slipper, you may use a traditional wooden clog in a Japanese setting or a silk slipper in a Chinese setting.
5. Integrate the cultural elements seamlessly into the story, ensuring they enhance the narrative and make it uniquely tied to the chosen region. This could include incorporating traditional ceremonies, festivals, or beliefs into the plot.
6. Create at least three images to accompany your story. These visuals should depict important scenes, characters, or cultural elements from your reimagined fairy tale. You can draw or find images that represent the cultural aesthetics and enhance the overall reading experience.
7. Proofread and edit your story, ensuring that the narrative flows well and reflects the cultural elements authentically. Seek feedback from peers or teachers to improve your work.
8. Include a reflection or explanation of the cultural and geographic elements you incorporated and how they influenced your storytelling. This will demonstrate your understanding of the chosen region and its significance in the reimagined fairy tale.
Remember to use credible and reliable sources during your research to ensure the cultural elements are accurate and respectful. By following these steps, you can create a captivating reimagining of a fairy tale set in Southern or Eastern Asia, drawing on the rich cultural and geographic features of the region.