Brainstorming Topics

Which one? 

Topic One: From the first week of reading in the Jataka Anthology stories, I noticed a common theme where the Buddha or the Bodhisatta told stories of himself in a previous life as an animal. I already enjoy writing stories about animals, so after reading this, my first thought went to using this theme in my final project. The Buddha or the Bodhisatta could be the author of every story explaining his different lives as different animals found in India. I would need to do some research on the different animals that are mainly found in India and which are predators and prey. I would also need to do some research on Buddha or Bodhisatta's story. For example, I am not sure why he is given two different names in the stories I have already read.  

Topic Two: Another possible option for my final project would be to retell the Ramayana story but from the perspective of Sita. I watched the extra readings videos that explained the background information about the epic story. The video, Crash Course Mythology: Ramayana talked about how there are many heroes in the story of each having their unique battle to conquer. Sita, Rama wife, goes through being exiled with her husband, being kidnapped, and then having her husband not believe she was faithful while kidnapped. Sita prevails through everything. We are used to hearing stories of the men heroes and how they save the damsel in distress. I want to create a story about Sita and the bravery she has during the epic. 

Topic Three: Still looking for project ideas in the Ramayana story, Hanuman and Lakshmana seem to play a significant role in the epic. Without their help, it appears that Rama would not be able to rescue Sita or defeat Ravana. Since most stories put the sidekicks to the side, I would like to create an account that showcases the helpers of Rama, Hanuman, and Lakshmana. Both of these characters go and help Rama through the story almost like they are the Three Musketeers. I would need to research the different types of battles they go through or could rewrite so that they work together in conflicts like the three musketeer's each having a strength that they bring to the group. 

Topic Four: As I was looking through possible project topics I saw the idea of creating a final project over Love stories. Last semester my final project had a theme of love, but it was not just the love that a man and women have but the love a family has for each other. I could bookmark stories along with my readings that discussed love not only in couples but different types of love. I already know a possible love story is the one between Sita and Rama, but I would have to learn more through the weekly readings. I think it is important to emphasize that love can come in many different forms. I could find stories to showcase this message that there are different types of love.

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