Ten Stories
- Creation - Letter arrives and learns of FOH society - The Great Stain
- Miraculous Birth - FOH holds a forum to decide whether or not to accept Florence as a spontaneous member. - Story? Momotaro? Kaguya?
- Fall from Grace / Mortality (Option 1) Selim falsely admits that he sent the letter to Florence. He is judged and put on probation by the (randomly selected) council of peers. He secretly knew this would happen. The council requires him to sponsor her cultivation. She must pass a test for membership after which Selim’s probation will be lifted. - (Option 2) ??This option must fit with the fact that the letter was intended for the previous Florence - Story?
- Desire - Selim admits that he fell in love with her? What about the previous Florence? Did he love her? How does Florence take this? Grateful to be in FOH but doesn’t like feeling that she owes him.
- Duty (To Family/God/Humanity) -Florence accepts her membership into FOH with great honor. She purposefully keeps her distance from Selim to demonstrate her worth as a contributing member and not as one of his prizes. - Story? Triumphant Hero? Or the clumsy Hero? Or the anti-hero?
- Wealth/Greed - How does Cotton farming, braceros and the family that controls the money of Lamesa play into the story of wealth and greed. Are they responsible for the bracero program? Does their son become valedictorian? How do they keep Florence’s father from upward mobility? Sets up for the next chapter.
- Betrayal - This should definitely mark the turning point in the main plot. Florence loses her spot as valedictorian. Her father loses his job at the cotton gin.
- Failure - Florence slowly drops out of college because she can’t afford to pay tuition, keep a job and make her grades. Selim calls off his engagement.
- Love - This story could be a sequel to ‘duty’ or the result of commitment and dedication to another. Is Florence initially put off by Selim? Does she keep her distance because she’s afraid of losing control of her own feelings? What is the moment when Florence discovers that she loves Selim?
- Death - Florence abandons FOH and sends her letter to another hopeful soul/recruit.
Other thoughts...
A dream story?
Is desire appropriately named? Should it come after fall from grace?
Florence files away all the letters in her cedar chest.
Each letter should be introduced by its number (starting from the first one). The numbering could mimic the way in which A.D. and B.C. Are used.
What about racism? Does Florence know what Selim looks like?
(After our first night in Kyoto) Added the Momotaro suggestion after the Kyoto Dream.
Where is the triumphant hero story? Should it be included?
The stories should follow the transformation and unification of mankind as a result of philosophical thought and religious beliefs.
Love = Christianity
Buddhism = Desire
Islam?