[Opening title is animated; background music is playing “Here Comes the Sun”] 

Welcome to the interactive version of the Solar Dreamer story! 

There are four ways you can become an active participant in this story: 

1.  Write your own ending.  Using one of the author’s suggested endings, write the epilogue to the story – or disregard the suggestions and come up with your own unique ending. 

2.  Control text display.  Paragraphs of text display at a rate set by the author.  If the text displays too slowly, left-click your mouse or press the Tab key to display the next paragraph.  You can also eliminate the time delay feature and display all the text on a page by clicking your mouse until the word Next appears. 

3.  Control videos.  The two videos in the story can be paused, resumed, and restarted using the buttons provided.   

4.  Launch external application.  During the course of the story you can choose to launch the PowerPoint presentation that is embedded in the online story – or not. I hope you enjoy the story!

 Scene 1: ASES Awards Ceremony 

Larry fidgeted in his chair on the dais, unable to contain his excitement.  They were about to announce his name as the recipient of the Passive Pioneer Award for his contribution to the field of solar design.  This was his moment in the sun – it was what he had worked towards for 12 long years and traveled more than 2,000 miles to receive – recognition for his contribution to “saving the planet.”  

Whenever he talked about the Solarycyle he had built, Larry used phrases like “the most important thing anyone could ever accomplish” and “the best solution to global warming.” Talking in superlatives was just one of his many unique personality traits.  Family and friends had long ago accepted his idiosyncrasies, which ranged from social awkwardness to his signature outfit. [Picture of Larry in his signature outfit and a “styling man” sound byte] 

Larry saw Kim-Ly, his fiancé, sit down at the laptop computer in front of the stage. She was going to run the PowerPoint presentation that accompanied his speech since she had prepared both the slide show and written the speech.  This was only one of the ways in which Kim helped and supported Larry over the last ten years.

They met when she was only 17, and despite a 20-year difference in their ages, a genuine friendship developed.  Kim often helped Larry prepare for the conferences where he displayed his solar vehicle.  She spent many hours filling out applications, writing speeches, taking photographs and videos, and also set up his booth at several locations.  Kim even helped load the 400-pound Solarcycle for transport since she was deceptively strong, despite her slight stature.   

On the occasions when Larry attended out-of-town conferences to display his solar vehicle, Kim took over his interior plantscaping business so that he would not lose any accounts.  It was not uncommon for her to carry heavy buckets of water, but she didn’t mind since caring for plants was something she enjoyed.   When the friendship developed into a romance, Larry was ecstatic and felt that his life was finally complete.  He didn’t understand why she was giving him an ultimatum now – at one of the happiest times in his life.  

When the ASES Chairman introduced him, the audience gave Larry a warm welcome. [Applause sound byte] 

Larry immediately launched into his acceptance speech, which cleverly couched a plea to attract investors. [Video of Larry giving his speech auto-runs, but can be stopped, paused, and resumed.] 

[Picture of Larry at the podium] Larry took several questions from the audience.  He was inspired and excited by the interest shown by so many at the conference. 

After the last question, Kim launched the presentation.  The sound of music filled the conference hall and a giant image of Larry and the Solarcycle filled the screen. 

(Onscreen directions: Click on the title slide above to help Kim launch the presentation.  NOTE: The slide show is presented as a web page that uses the Internet Explorer browser only.) [Powerpoint presentation can be launched in the IE browser by clicking on the image.] 

[Picture of Larry at the podium] After the PowerPoint presentation, Larry didn’t stop to take questions. He charged ahead because he was anxious for people to see the video he had brought.   

“Before we leave I want to show a short video clip of the Solarcycle in action.  This was filmed at Odyssey Day in Cocoa Beach, Florida last year.” [Video montage of Solarcycle being driven by Larry auto-runs, but can be stopped, paused, and resumed.] 

“In closing, I just want to remind everyone that the Solarcycle is on display here at the hotel and you’re all welcome to take it for a ride.” 

“Thank you for your time – I look forward to seeing you all at the cocktail party.”  

Scene 2: ASES Cocktail Party 

Larry couldn’t wait to get to the cocktail party since he was convinced there was at least one person here who wanted to invest in his Solarcycle.  As he panned the room for potential investors, he saw that Kim was already inside speaking with his friend and mentor, Michael Gleason. [Picture of Michael Gleason and Kim together, having a beverage] 

Michael was a retired NASA engineer who met Larry at an alternative energy conference in Atlanta, GA in 2000.  Over the next 10 years a friendship developed, and Michael often leant his name and expertise to help Larry establish himself as a ‘player’ in the solar energy community.  

Michael greeted Larry warmly with a smile and a firm handshake.  “Congratulations, my friend,” he said. 

“Thanks,” returned Larry, “I couldn’t have done it without you.”  

“And now, we need the help of investors to continue,” Kim reminded him. 

“OK,” Larry said obligingly, “I’ll mingle a little and see if I can’t scare up an investor or two.”

But by the end of the cocktail hour, Larry discovered that no one was willing to finance his project ‘at this time.’ 

He waited until the banquet room was almost empty and then approached Kim to deliver the bad news.  He knew that she would encourage him to keep searching for investors.  Kim did not want Larry to spend the sizable inheritance that his mother had just left him to finance the project.  In fact, this had been the source of conflict between them ever since his mother passed away, only two months ago. 

Kim wanted a family and saw the inheritance as the means to provide them with a good life.  She suggested that Larry should sell his house so they could move into his mother’s home.  She also wanted to save most of the inheritance for their future, and use some of it to build up his plant business.  Kim even offered to take over most of the accounts so that Larry could be more involved in selecting and equipping the solar car.  She made it clear that she would end the relationship if he gambled away his inheritance on the car. 

Larry, on the other hand, did not agree with most of Kim’s suggestions.  First of all, he did not want to live in his mother’s home.  He didn’t see any reason to move since his home already had the two features most important to him. [Two pictures appear simultaneously – exterior of greenhouse and Larry working on the car in his garage. The photos then morph into two other views of the same locales.] 

Secondly, he expected to be the primary financer of his new business.  All he wanted was one investor to help him select the right facility and buy the necessary equipment so that he could produce his vehicle on a larger scale. To that end, and with or without an investor, Larry was willing to sell everything he owned to finance his dream. 

In an effort to keep the peace, he decided to postpone any decision so that they could enjoy the rest of their weekend in Las Vegas. 

Scene 3: Larry’s Home [2 months later] 

In the two months after the trip to Las Vegas, Larry continued to look for investors. He decided that if he did not have financial backing on the six-month anniversary of his mother’s passing, he would finance the project himself. The cutoff date came and went, and still there were no investors. 

[Picture of Larry sitting at the computer, reading an email] The next evening, Larry was searching his old email messages for names of prospective investors when he came across an email he received from his mother several months earlier.  It was the guest list for the dinner party she had thrown in an effort to repair his relationship with Kim’s parents.  Larry’s first meeting with Kim’s parents was a disastrous dinner at an upscale restaurant where he spilled his wine and accidentally kicked her mother under the table. He also bragged about his solar car, which offended her parents since they were both humble people.  

In order to cast him in a more favorable light, Larry’s mother invited Kim’s parents to a dinner party at her home, making sure the guest list included only politicians, athletes, and local celebrities who knew and liked her son.  Larry’s mother was a wealthy, independent, strong-willed Jewish woman who had outlived three husbands.  Larry was her only child and she doted on him not only because she loved him and was proud of him, but also because Larry was the spitting image of her first husband.  

As planned, Kim’s parents were impressed when so many of the notable guests showed an interest in Larry and his solar car. Larry’s mother knew that inviting Kim’s parents to her home would be the best way to give them a preview of the lifestyle their daughter could expect if she married into the family. By the end of the evening, they changed their minds about the engagement and welcomed Larry as their son-in-law.  

After all her hard work, Larry wondered what his mother would think about how he was planning to spend her money.  He thought it was ironic that her money was the wedge that was now forcing apart the union she had tried so hard to cement. 

The next morning, Larry told Kim that he intended to finance mass-production of the Solarcycle using his own money.  Kim nodded but did not respond.  There was nothing more to say.  They had each made the decision that was right for them. 

When Larry returned home that evening, he saw Kim’s house key on the counter and knew that she was gone. Once I succeed, he thought, I’ll win her back.  He then played out the scenario of their reunion in his mind.  After I sell ten Solarcycles, I’ll drive up to her house in the original car that we built together and bring her home.  It was this unique mixture of optimism, denial, naiveté, and fantasy that allowed him to cope with any adversity that dared intrude in his life. [Picture of Larry in a suit, striking a pose as he stands in front of his Solarcycle, which is on display in a convention hall] 

So, what happens next?

Epilogue: Two Years Later 

How does the story end? Is Larry’s solar car factory a success or a failure? Do Larry and Kim get back together? Or does something totally unexpected happen? I’ll leave that up to you.

Select one of the options below, and then write your own ending to Solar Dreamer.   Based on your selection, a mini personality profile will also be provided – just for fun – after you submit your epilogue.

Before making a selection, take a moment to think about the story, plot lines, and the characters.

*Larry is successful and re-unites with Kim (Option 1)

*Larry is successful, but does not re-unite with Kim (Option 2)

*Larry fails, but is re-united with Kim (Option 3)

*Larry fails and is not re-united with Kim (Option 4)

*None of the above (Option 5)

[When an option is selected, readers jump to another page where they can type the story ending into a blank text box that allows up to 3,500 characters.]

In writing the epilogue, try to include:

*How and why he succeeds/fails

*What happens to Kim (e.g., Where she goes and what she does)

*Whether or not Larry tries to win Kim back. If so, why is he successful/unsuccessful

*If they are re-united, what future plans do they make?

[After readers submit their story ending by selecting a “Submit” button, they are taken to a personality evaluation page based on the type of ending they selected. A song and a corresponding Chinese character accentuate their personality evaluation.]

Time Cavern (Temporis Specus)

an Action/Adventure Game 

Hero

Seth is a 23-year old male who is a world traveler and a hiking fanatic. He is tall, strong, and lean and bears a striking resemblance to the actor, James Caviezel. Seth is a quiet, introverted, and a gentle sole who is both a minimalist and an environmentalist. He is most at home when he is outdoors – especially in the wilderness. Seth has honed his survival skills, and is resourceful when confronted with hardship. When he was 16, Seth trekked the entire Appalachian Trail from his hometown in Katahdin, Maine. Since then he has participated in many other backpacking excursions, ranging from Canada to China, including a host of other locales in between. 

Predicament

On a solo hike outside Caripe, Venezuela, Seth fell through a camouflaged animal trap that landed him 30 feet below the ground in the Caverna del Guacharo (Cave of the Guacharo – home of the legendary oilbirds).  As Seth explores the underground cavern in an effort to escape, he realizes the cave is inhabited by a myriad of hostile creatures, including bats, snakes, rats, oilbirds, and even a fire-breathing dragon. This is no ordinary cave! The only items in his backpack that he can use as weapons are a Swiss Army knife, a flashlight, and a can of bug spray.  Seth realizes that he cannot escape the same way he got in, so he is forced to proceed through the tunnels of the cave, which are dimly-lit by a strange glow given off by the cold, wet walls.

Gameplay

Seth soon discovers that this cave also contains time portals, which he encounters by simply walking through a tunnel.  He is aware that he is entering a time portal when the walls of the cave begin to wobble and slowly change.  Whoosh – he is transported to another time and place.  Seth meets a myriad of historical characters who promise him rewards (tools, weapons, resources, magic powers) if he solves a puzzle [presented as cut-scenes]. 

For example, Seth finds himself inside the Sistine Chapel and comes face-to-face with Michelangelo, who tells him that he will bestow upon him the magic power of high-jumping if Seth takes down all the scaffolding that was used to paint the ceiling.  Michelangelo tells Seth that the scaffolding must be taken down in a particular sequence, and the order for removal is identified when a piece of scaffolding changes color. Seth must jump to different heights to reach the various pieces of scaffolding as they change color, and then cut each piece down using his Swiss Army knife. The puzzle is solved when all pieces of the scaffolding are removed in the correct order and in the timeframe allotted. If Seth is successful, he leaves the time portal and retains the magic power of high-jumping. If he fails, he must surrender one of his accumulated tools, weapons, resources, or magic powers before he leaves the time portal. 

The rewards Seth accumulates after solving puzzles will not only help him defeat the hostile creatures of the cavern (or at least keep them at bay) but also help him escape.  Using the right combination of tools (e.g., rope, hammer, railroad spikes), weapons (e.g., bow and arrow, spear, sword, musket), resources (e.g., water, food, tent) and powers (e.g., high-jumping, becoming invisible, super strength), together with the knowledge gained during his time travels, Seth should be able to figure out a way to escape the cavern. The game is won when Seth is able to jump, tunnel, or blast his way out of the Caverna del Guacharo.

Game Levels

There are five game levels in Time Cavern and two time portals on each level.  Each level is physically higher than the next, so Seth’s progress through the game actually leads him closer to the surface, making it easier for him to escape. For example, at Level 1, he is at 30 feet. Level 2 – 25 feet; Level 3 – 20 feet; Level 4 – 15 feet, and at Level 5, he is only 10 feet from the surface.

Since I am doing my project in Authorware, I am posting the text portion of Pass 3 and adding notes in brackets to indicate the placement of pictures, sound bytes, and movies in the story.

 [Opening title is animated; background music is playing “Here Comes the Sun”] 

Scene 1: ASES Awards Ceremony

Larry fidgeted in his chair on the dais, unable to contain his excitement.  They were about to announce his name as the recipient of the Passive Pioneer Award for his contribution to the field of solar design.  This was his moment in the sun – it was what he had worked towards for 12 long years and traveled more than 2,000 miles to receive – recognition for his contribution to “saving the planet.”  

Whenever he talked about the Solarycyle he had built, Larry used phrases like “the most important thing anyone could ever accomplish” and “the best solution to global warming.” Talking in superlatives was just one of his many unique personality traits.  Family and friends had long ago accepted his idiosyncrasies, which ranged from social awkwardness due to a mild case of ADHD to his signature outfit. [Picture of Larry in his signature outfit and a “styling man” sound byte] 

Larry saw Kim-Ly, his fiancé, sit down at the laptop computer in front of the stage. She was going to run the PowerPoint presentation that accompanied his speech since she had prepared both the slide show and written the speech.  This was only one of the ways in which Kim helped and supported Larry over the last ten years. 

 They met when she was only 17, and despite a 20-year difference in their ages, a genuine friendship developed.  Kim often helped Larry prepare for the conferences where he displayed his solar vehicle.  She spent many hours filling out applications, writing speeches, taking photographs and videos, and also set up his booth at several locations.  Kim even helped load the 400-pound Solarcycle for transport since she was deceptively strong, despite her slight stature. 

 On the occasions when Larry attended out-of-town conferences to display his solar vehicle, Kim took over his interior plantscaping business so that he would not lose any accounts.  It was not uncommon for her to carry heavy buckets of water and move large potted plants, but she didn’t mind since caring for plants was something she enjoyed.  [Picture of Kim displays, showing her watering plants]  When the friendship developed into a romance, Larry was ecstatic and felt that his life was finally complete.  He didn’t understand why she was giving him an ultimatum now – at one of the happiest times in his life.  

When the ASES Chairman introduced him, the audience gave Larry a warm welcome. [Applause sound byte]

 Larry immediately launched into his acceptance speech, which cleverly couched a plea to attract investors. 

[Video of Larry introducing the PowerPoint presentation] “Good afternoon.  I’m Larry Morton from Greenhouse 2000 in Orlando, Florida, and I have a solar idea.” 

“People often ask me how I got involved with solar energy.  So, I created a short presentation showing the events that led up to my receiving this very prestigious award.  I want to thank everyone at ASES for the Pioneer Award, and I want to thank all of you for supporting ASES by attending the conference.”

 [Picture of Larry and his Solarcycle covers entire screen while background music plays “Good Day Sunshine”] 

[Picture of Larry at the podium] “My concern for the planet began back in 1970 at the first Earth Day Celebration when my high school class participated in the clean-up of a New York City beach.  That’s me in the back row, holding up the two bags of trash I collected that day.” [Picture of old clipping from NYC newspaper] 

“My father owned an auto parts business and I was expected to work with him and then take over the business when he retired.  But after learning about our growing environmental problems, I decided to study horticulture and go into the interior plantscaping business.  Interior plantscaping is just a fancy term for installing potted plants in commercial businesses and then maintaining them.  Both of my parents supported my decision, but it was largely due to my mother’s encouragement that I was able to start my own business, which is now known as Greenhouse 2000.” [Picture of Greenhouse 2000 logo] 

“After 20 years in the plant business, I decided I should do more to help the environment.  So, in 1998, I decided to build a solar car.”

“ My first prototype was the Personal Space Vehicle, or PSV.  [Picture of PSV on the road] It was 10 feet long, 4 feet wide, 3-1/2 feet high, and weighed 400 pounds. The PSV had 1 sq. meter of solar panels, produced 138 watts of power, and could run for 60 miles between charges.  I competed in, and won, many local races with the PSV.” [Picture of PSV with trophies on top of the car] 

“Four years ago, I redesigned the PSV so it would be street-legal and renamed it the Solarcycle.  It now has a 4 sq. meters of photovoltaic panels, produces 1300 watts of power, and can run for 200 miles between charges.  The Solarcyle is 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, 4 feet high, and is registered with the DMV as a motorcycle.” [Picture of Solarcycle with hood open inside convention center]

 “The Solarcycle is on display here at the hotel and I invite anyone who is interested to take it for a ride. And now, a short video clip of the Solarcyle in action.  This was filmed at Odyssey Day in Coca Beach, FL last year. [Video montage of Solarcycle being driven by Larry] 

“My dream is to mass-produce the Solarcycle.  But I can’t do it alone, so I am looking for investors.” 

“I’ve prepared a five-year financial projection on Sales, Cost of Goods Sold, and Gross Margin.” [Picture of PowerPoint slide with financial info]

 “This is a five-year projection on Profit and the General and Administrative Expenses of selling the Solarcycle. I’ve estimated the number of vehicles to be produced in years 1-5 and the number of employees needed.”  [Second picture of PowerPoint slide with financial info] 

“All of this information is on my website: www.xlr8sun.com. I will also have brochures available at the cocktail party, which immediately follows this award ceremony.  I hope you will all attend because I look forward to meeting you and speaking with you individually.” 

Scene 2: ASES Cocktail Party 

Larry couldn’t wait to get to the cocktail party since he was convinced there was at least one person here who wanted to invest in his Solarcycle.  As he panned the room for potential investors, he saw that Kim was already inside speaking with his friend and mentor, Michael Gleason. [Picture of Michael Gleason and Kim together, having a beverage] 

Michael was a retired NASA engineer who met Larry at an alternative energy conference in Atlanta, GA in 2000.  Over the next 10 years a friendship developed, and Michael often leant his name and expertise to help Larry establish himself as a ‘player’ in the solar energy community.  

Michael greeted Larry warmly with a smile and a firm handshake.  “Congratulations, my friend,” he said. 

“Thanks,” returned Larry, “I couldn’t have done it without you.”  

“And now, we need the help of investors to continue,” Kim reminded him. 

“OK,” Larry said obligingly, “I’ll mingle a little and see if I can’t scare up an investor or two.”

But by the end of the cocktail hour, Larry discovered that no one was willing to finance his project ‘at this time.’ 

He waited until the banquet room was almost empty and then approached Kim to deliver the bad news.  He knew that she would encourage him to keep searching for investors.  Kim did not want Larry to spend the sizable inheritance that his mother had just left him to finance the project.  In fact, this had been the source of conflict between them ever since his mother passed away, only two months ago. 

Kim wanted a family and saw the inheritance as the means to provide them with a good life.  She suggested that Larry should sell his house so they could move into his mother’s home.  She also wanted to save most of the inheritance for their future, and use some of it to build up his plant business.  Kim even offered to take over most of the accounts so that Larry could be more involved in selecting and equipping the solar car.  She made it clear that she would end the relationship if he gambled away his inheritance on the car. 

Larry, on the other hand, did not agree with most of Kim’s suggestions.  First of all, he did not want to live in his mother’s home.  He didn’t see any reason to move since his home already had the two features most important to him. [Two pictures appear simultaneously – exterior of greenhouse and Larry working on the car in his garage. The photos then morph into two other views of the same locales.] 

Secondly, he expected to be the primary financer of his new business.  All he wanted was one investor to help him select the right facility and buy the necessary equipment so that he could produce his vehicle on a larger scale. To that end, and with or without an investor, Larry was willing to sell everything he owned to finance his dream. 

In an effort to keep the peace, he decided to postpone any decision so that they could enjoy the rest of their weekend in Las Vegas.

Scene 3: Larry’s Home [2 months later]

In the two months after the trip to Las Vegas, Larry continued to look for investors. He decided that if he did not have financial backing on the six-month anniversary of his mother’s passing, he would finance the project himself. The cutoff date came and went, and still there were no investors.

[Picture of Larry sitting at the computer, reading an email] The next evening, Larry was searching his old email messages for names of prospective investors when he came across an email he received from his mother several months earlier.  It was the guest list for the dinner party she had thrown in an effort to repair his relationship with Kim’s parents.  Larry’s first meeting with Kim’s parents was a disastrous dinner at an upscale restaurant where he spilled his wine and accidentally kicked her mother under the table. He also bragged about his solar car, which offended her parents since they were both humble people. By the end of the evening, they forbade the marriage and tried to persuade Kim to end the relationship.

In order to cast him in a more favorable light, Larry’s mother decided to throw a dinner party at her home and invite Kim’s parents.  She also invited several of her influential friends, including politicians, noted athletes, and local celebrities, making sure the guest list included only those who knew and liked her son.  Larry’s mother was a wealthy, independent, strong-willed Jewish woman who had outlived three husbands.  Larry was her only child and she doted on him not only because she loved him and was proud of him, but also because Larry was the spitting image of her first  (and favorite) husband. 

As planned, Kim’s parents were impressed with the way Larry interacted with many of the notable guests. They were also pleasantly surprised not only by the interest so many showed in his work, but also the respect they showed him. Larry’s mother knew that inviting Kim’s parents to her home would be the best way to give them a preview of the lifestyle their daughter could expect if she married into the family. By the end of the evening, they changed their minds about the engagement and welcomed Larry as their son-in-law. 

After all her hard work, Larry wondered what his mother would think about how he was planning on spending her money.  He thought it was ironic that her money was the wedge that was now forcing apart the union she had tried so hard to cement. 

The next morning, Larry told Kim that he intended to finance mass-production of the Solarcycle using his own money.  Kim nodded but did not respond.  There was nothing more to say.  They had each made the decision that was right for them.

When Larry returned home that evening, he saw Kim’s house key on the counter and knew that she was gone. Once I succeed, he thought, I’ll win her back.  He then played out the scenario of their reunion in his mind.  After I sell ten Solarcycles, I’ll drive up to her house in the original car that we built together and bring her home.  It was this unique mixture of optimism, denial, naiveté, and fantasy that allowed him to cope with any adversity that dared intrude in his life. [Picture of Larry in a suit, striking a pose as he stands in front of his Solarcycle, which is on display in a convention hall]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9138639@N03/577756028/

One of the most significant events in my life occurred when I was forced to make a life or death decision for another living thing.  My beautiful Shaded Golden Persian cat, who was not only my pet but also my companion of 17 years, was stricken with gastrointestinal cancer.  Through a combination of Eastern and Western medicine and a high-quality diet, we were able to keep the cancer from spreading and prevent her from losing too much weight for 17 months.  But in the end, cancer won.  Cancer always wins.  It spread to her bladder and she began losing more weight. I could no longer deny that Fluff was very ill, even though she had good days and bad days. I had to step up to the plate and do the right thing.  I turned to everyone, even psychics, seeking confirmation that letting her go was the right thing to do. I finally realized that the answer was right in front of me. She was sick and she was suffering. I made her a promise when we first found out about the cancer that I wouldn’t let her suffer.  I decided it was time to keep my promise.  Somehow she knew that I had made the decision – she even seemed relieved.  On the morning of her last day, we sat together on the floor amidst a bunch of old pictures of her that I had dragged out, and I pet her incessantly until it was time for her to go to sleep.  

My fellow classmates,

I did my Story Pass 2  in the Authorware program and am unable to upload the file to my blog because it has an EXE extension, which is not one of the allowable formats. 

Per Dr. McDaniels’ instructions, I will provide you with an overview of Pass2.  I broke the story down into three scenes, Awards Banquet, Cocktail Party, and Home (of main character).  The external narrator is still telling the story, but shares the task with the main character, who now provides his own background data and storyline via a speech in the Banquet scene.  Some story elements were reordered based on the breakdown into scenes, which was done in order to minimize the amount of text. Ten images have been added to enhance the story and identify the main characters. 

This paper will discuss how Bruner’s fifth narrative feature, canonicity and breach, functions within the original version of the film, The Stepford Wives (1975).

As an introduction to the paper, the following is a brief synopsis of the film.

Joanna and Walter Eberhart have just moved from the ‘big city’ to the small town of Stepford, Connecticut.  Joanna’s best friend, Bobbie Markowe, and Bobbie’s husband, Dave, have also recently made the move.  When Joanna and Bobbie meet the other women of Stepford, they discover that they are all throwbacks to another era – meticulously-groomed, “perpetually happy” housewives who derive pleasure from cooking, cleaning, caring for their children, and pleasing their husbands.  However, Joanna and Bobbie do find one “normal” woman in Stepford, named Charmaine Wimperis, and the three women form a bond.  When Charmaine is transformed into a “perpetually happy” housewife, Joanna and Bobbie realize that the women of Stepford change after they arrive. When Bobbie undergoes the same transformation, Joanna is convinced that the local Men’s Club, to which her husband belongs, is responsible for what is happening to the women.  Joanna investigates the men of Stepford and discovers that they all have technical expertise, which she believes they are using to turn the women into robots. Joanna tries to flee Stepford, but is stopped by her husband who convinces her that the theory is absurd. Joanna’s trust in her husband is her downfall since her theory about the Stepford wives is correct and she is destined to become the next “gynoid.”

 Bruner’s concept of canonicity in narrative deals with the background elements of the story that do not have to be told because they are already known or assumed based on the cultural and social expectations of the reader.  For example, the institution of marriage presupposes the people involved love and respect each other, support and take care of one another, and choose to share their lives. Bruner’s concept of canonicity is further reinforced through his reference to a Schank-Abelson script, which is defined as “a set of expectations about what will happen next in a well-understood situation.” For example, most everyone has first-hand knowledge or can at least relate to moving to a place where you know no one. Therefore, “what will happen next” involves the mundane tasks of unpacking, getting essential services established, and learning the layout of the new area.  Moving also involves establishing new relationships.  Therefore, we expect people who move to a new place to seek out friends and acquaintances in order to become part of the community. 

 It is through social and marital relationships that three plot lines of The Stepford Wives demonstrate Bruner’s narrative feature of canonicity and breach.  

The first plot line involves the relationships between the characters.  The story begins with Joanna and Walter (and Bobbie and Dave) moving to a town where they are expected to meet and develop friendships with the people who live there.  Walter and Dave join the local Men’s Club and develop friendships with the men, as expected. The breach of canonicity occurs when Joanna and Bobbie are unwilling to develop friendships with the other Stepford wives.  However, the breach is not a conventional breach since a conventional breach would be the inability to form relationships due to a lack of common interests, incompatibility, and differences in life styles, social status, background, and the like. The breach is unconventional since Joanna and Bobbie fail to form friendships with the Stepford women since they see perceive them to be inhuman – i.e., perfectly quaffed, Martha Stewart zombies.

The second plot line involves marriage and everything that the institution implies. While we witness arguments between Joanna and Walter, we are led to believe through their interactions that they love and respect each other. Therefore, we expect both parties to honor their marriage vows to “love, comfort, keep… for richer or for poorer… in sickness and in health...as long as they both shall live.”  The breach of canonicity occurs when Walter agrees to turn Joanna into a Stepford wife by murdering her and replacing her with a robot.  Again, this is not a conventional breach since a conventional marriage breach would be manifested as a separation, divorce, or adulterous affair. This unconventional breach “provides rich ground for innovative storytelling” because the breach involves the unique concept of replacing a living, breathing, intelligent, independent wife with a lifelike, look-alike robot whose only purpose is to serve.  One cannot help but think that this innovative concept, which first appeared in a novel by Ira Levin in 1972, is an overreaction to the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1960’s. 

The third plot line involves both the setting and characters of the story.  The Stepford Wives is classified as a science fiction movie.  However, we normally think of science fiction movies as taking place in the future (The Matrix) or on another planet (Star Wars).  We also expect these types of movies to involve strange characters (Frankenstein) or take place in a post-apocalyptic world (On The Beach).  The breach of canonicity occurs when science fiction invades the life of ordinary people in a small town in Connecticut in 1975. Like the breaches in the two previous examples, it is an unconventional breach since the technology for creating robots with the degree of sophistication suggested by the movie was not possible then – in fact, it is not even possible today. 

In summary, the canonicity and unconventional breach found in all three plot lines enhanced the narrative of the film by providing a unique and innovative story. The unconventional breach in marriage vows, which results in the death of the protagonist (Joanna), heightens empathy for her, and therefore, it could be argued that her death degraded the narrative. However, I believe that the narrative was at least sustained for two reasons.  First, her death was not shown in the film. If it had been, then showing Joanna die would certainly have degraded the narrative. Secondly, Joanna is seen in the last scene of the film, providing us with proof that she lived on in some “form.”

Hello!  My name is Debbie Andrisani.  I am currently working towards obtaining a “Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design for Simulations” to supplement my Masters degree in English (technical writing) from UCF.  I work for DME Corporation in Research Park and my title is Training Specialist, even though I have no real experience in training.  I guess I’m trying to earn my title by getting an ISD certification since I was hired based on a CBT I did in 1999 as my Masters project. My most recent work experience includes seven years as a technical writer, primarily documenting how various software programs work.

My interest in storytelling began in childhood with my older brother telling us fantastic tales about magic creatures. As I matured, I became an insatiable reader – everything from the classics to Kurt Vonnegut.  I even read Shakespearean plays.  My interest in storytelling then shifted to movies and I tried to see as many movies as I could, with the exception of horror flicks and Westerns. My fascination with movies prompted me to see employment in the entertainment industry and I worked at a movie studio (Twentieth Century Fox) for two years.

My interest in media includes limited game playing – my current favorite online game is Diner Dash, which I play 1-2 times per week, which probably classifies me as a “casual” gamer.  However, my game playing began back in 1982 when I discovered online Solitaire while working as a word processor.  My exposure to the Internet began in 1996 while pursuing a technical writing degree at UCF.  Now I use the Internet regularly, in both my personal life (information, online banking) and for work purposes (research).

I am excited about this class since I have not written anything creative for quite some time and need to stimulate this part of my brain again.