Lance Walker
T/TH 1:00-2:20
Open Genre
Black Stone of Azad
The situation wasn’t looking good.
I took a quick peak over the steep ridge to view my horrifying predicament. Down
in the small valley at the rows upon rows of small tents, I sighed wearily. I could see the
torches carried by the soldiers bobbing throughout the perfectly lined tents.
“Now all I have to do Soden”, I said to myself, “is get from here to the edge of
camp without getting myself killed.” I chuckled quietly to myself, “I should have said no
to King Dotens ‘small favor’.”
Three months back Soden was summoned by Dotens page. The King wanted
what was rightfully his, the Black Stone of Azad. Doten fallen knights, Laester, had
stolen it under the Kings watchful eye. What the King failed to mention, was that Laester
was under the Lord Praste protection, which involved a contingent of soldiers.
Looking down at the borders of Laester’s lands, I noticed a small glimmer off to
the north. If that glimmer meant what I thought it meant I was in for a rough time. That
glimmer slowly turned into 5 silhouettes. Shit Laester’s five knights were here, their
black armor gleaming in the torchlight. They had the reputation of being the best. Worst
was, they knew who I am.
After studying the patrols for 2 hours, I estimated that it was time for the patrol to
change, it was time for me to make my move. I carefully made my way down the loose
rocks and down to the edge of the torch light.
I prided myself in being the best assassin in the kingdom. The only people who
know who I am, either have a lot of gold or are dead. I am a ghost as far as the kingdom
is concerned.
I made my move as the patrol was talking to his relief. I’ve learned that the more
people in a group the less they pay attention. Everyone believes someone else is
paying attention. I made it to the first row of tents.
I casually stood up from the shadows and made my way slowly through the rows
and rows of tents. Nodding to the soldiers I passed as if I belonged there. It was going
smooth, or so I thought.
Two soldiers started fighting in a drunken brawl as I was passing near them. I
was glad at first for the distraction until the five knights came running towards the
drunkards. I tried to discreetly lower my head and walk away. One of the knights
noticed, changing direction until he was only feet away. “Oy, Soden, We ‘eard you wud
be headin dis way.” ,said the knight cheerfully.
I pulled out my dagger, getting ready.
The knight just shook his head in pity, “Wha, ar yu gonna do wit that litle’ twig?”
He stood relaxed, not going for his sword.
I crouch smiling smugly at him. Something was off, he was still just standing
there.
I felt a sharp pain in the back of my head. Everything went black.
Genre Analysis Worksheet.
1. What genre have you chosen? What are the overall characteristics or patterns
of this genre as found in your examples? Give us the titles and authors of the
examples you have found and connect them to these characteristics and
patterns.
Since fantasy is my favorite, that’s what I chose to write about. One sure
fire characteristic that all fantasy genre encompass is a quest. It may be subtle,
and it might change throughout the book, but there is always a quest.
“I watched him go for a moment, then turned in the opposite direction. I
needed to talk to a man about a piece of paper.” (Among Thieves: A Tale of Kin.
By Douglas Hulick) This is an example that shows a subtle quest that ends up
changing throughout the story.
2. Analyzing your examples—Consider, though do not limit yourself to, the
following elements: use of evidence, dealing with sources, ethos/pathos/logos,
tone, sentence construction, overall format. Again connect your analysis to
specific examples of the genre.
Fantasy delves into pathos. The authors try to move the readers
emotions. This can help the reader feel as if they are in the middle of the book
helping, rooting, or booing the characters throughout the book.
“I felt the sharp chill of the fog around my lower legs and there was fire
all around me as I ran, coughing and drawing in more bad air. I grew dizzy and
tasted ammonia. Some distant, rational part of my mind thought: of course, to
make it volatile. Then nothing” (The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss)
Rothfuss brings his reader right into the middle of his books. Through pathos, he
makes you feel what the characters feel.
3. How might you divide this genre into sub-genres or examples of this genre
written for a particular audience or with a particular purpose? (example:
Fiction, Science Fiction, post-apocalyptic fiction) Where do your examples fit
on this continuum? How do these criteria shift or change within the different
examples you have found? Cite specific titles/authors of this genre which help
to illustrate your distinctions. Lastly, remember that generally speaking the
subject matter does not define the genre.
The two previous could be categorized as Epic Fantasy genre. Another
one of my favorite authors is Jim Butcher and his series Dresden Files(16 books
so far) which can be classified as a modern fantasy/mystery.
“I’m a wizard. I work out of an office in midtown Chicago. As far as I
know, I’m the only openly practicing professional wizard in the country.” (Storm
Front, by Jim Butcher)
4. In general who is the audience for the genre you have chosen?
I would consider this an epic fantasy. My genre would be for people who
like books like, Lord of the Rings, the King Killer chronicles, the Ranger’s
apprentice, and other similar fantasy books. I would say it is the late teen to adult
age books.
5. What is the purpose the genre you have chosen?
The purpose is to entertain the reader, to bring them to a world that they
can only imagine.
6. Finally how has this analysis shaped the Open Genre you have written? As you
discuss these cite specific titles/authors from this genre.
While writing this I would reflect back to how Authors like Patrick
Rothfuss, Jim Butcher, Douglas Hulick, and especially John Flannagan(my
current series) would write. While writing this, I tried to implement my favorite
authors styles into my own style. While reading like a writer, I have come to a
better understanding of what is expected in the fantasy genre, and also what
makes a great novel.