Winnie-the-Pooh:
The Story Behind the Story
Slide #1
Because of my father’s career, my family moved frequently during my childhood. I came to rely upon the companionship of steadfast friends that I could easily pack into boxes and take with me.
Slide #3
I cannot imagine how terribly dull and lonely my childhood would have been without books. They were as important to me as the air I breathed.
Slide #4
Among my favorites were tales about the misadventures of a silly, lovable bear named Winnie-the-Pooh and his human friend, Christopher Robin.
Slide #5
Winnie-the-Pooh was the creation of British author and playwright, Alan Alexander Milne.
Slide #6
Milne began his writing career shortly after his graduation from Trinity College in Cambridge where he majored in mathematics. Following the publication of his first novel, Milne joined the staff of Punch magazine as assistant editor.
Slide #7
It was during this time that Milne became friends with artist Ernest H. Shepard who would later illustrate many of Milne’s children’s books.
Slide #8
Following World War I, Milne sought refuge from the horrors he witnessed as an officer in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in the nostalgic memories of his childhood.
Slide #9
“A ‘children’s book’ must be written,” Milne explained, “not for children but for the author himself.”
Slide #10
Milne originally wrote Once Upon a Time, a fairy tale, for his wife Dorothy and himself, but the tale was eventually published for children.
Slide #11
In 1920, Milne’s only child was born. The couple named their son Christopher Robin in hopes that a unique name would distinguish him from other members of the Milne family.
Slide #12
Milne eventually purchased a country home, Crotchford Farm located in Sussex, where the family spent quiet weekends away from the busy streets of London.
Slide #13
Christopher Robin and his menagerie of toy animals spent many happy hours playing in the orchard next to the comfortable rambling farmhouse.
Slide #14
In his book, Winnie-the-Pooh, Milne transformed his son’s favorite play area into 100 Acre Woods, home to an assortment of whimsical animal characters.
Slide #15
Most of the characters in the book were inspired by Christopher’s toy collection. Only Owl and Rabbit were products of Milne’s imagination.
Slide #16
Edward the bear became Winnie-the-Pooh, renamed in honor of Winnipeg the real live bear who lived in the London Zoo and Pooh, the family’s pet swan.
Slide #17
Pooh bear, the central character, often got into trouble—quite unaware of where his actions and questionable decisions would eventually lead him. Still, he was loved and valued by Christopher Robin who more often than not came to his rescue.
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3 comments:
AWESOME! You are a great writer. I like the way you have chosen to tell the story, plus I never knew that it was based on his son...you learn something new everyday. I think that you might want to consider adding a little something to the end to give it a more final feeling...the last slide sounds like you could elaborate more. I can't wait to see the finished product! :)
I agree with Shaunna on both points: you are a wonderful writer and you need to spice up the ending. Concerning the former, I think you've attached a great personal story to your piece, and you've woven it in well. However, and this applies to the latter point, you need to continue the weaving of your personal story to the end. Your last piece needs to go back to the beginning about your father. End the story with where you began, and give it some finality that wraps the piece together. I look forward to the final piece.
I should have noted that the script is incomplete. We were limited to one page so I stopped about halfway through. I appreciate the comments, however. I like Matt's idea of bringing the personal reflection back into the ending.
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