Narratives

Homework 2

Narrative 1: Oromay By Bealu Girma

Why it’s interesting to me

One of the most interesting narratives I’ve encountered in my life is an Amharic classic novel authored by Bealu Girma and published in 1983, titled Oromay. Oromay exists between fiction and nonfiction. Set during the tumultuous period of Ethiopia’s Derg regime in the late 1970s, it offers a vivid portrayal of a politically charged era. What captivates me most about its narrative is its unique structure and perspective. The narrator is an all-knowing, mysterious figure who is not confined by space or time, allowing the story to unfold in a way that transcends the usual limitations of a single viewpoint. This narration adds an element of intrigue, making the story feel expansive and almost mythical, despite being rooted in real historical events.

To give a little background, Oromay follows the story of Tsegaye, a journalist working under the Derg (Communist Party) during the infamous Red Star Campaign. The mission of this campaign was to solidify Ethiopia’s control over Eritrea and suppress protestors opposing annexation. Tsegaye serves as the director of communications for the campaign. It is important to note that the author, Bealu Girma, served as the director of propaganda and communication during the same campaign in real life. The novel narrates Bealu's experiences and also exposes the inner workings of the government.

 

What I love most about Oromay is how accurately it depicts the 1970s. It transports you to a different place and time. This book came out when my parents were young adults and teenagers, and it offers me a window into what their lives might have been like. Unlike the U.S., we didn’t have as much collected visual data of the past, so seeing the social status of my country through books like this is fascinating (we usually just get books that focus on political history, oromay touches on how civilian life used to function) Oromay doesn’t just serve as a work of fiction; it also acts as a historical document that captures the atmosphere of the communist regime in Ethiopia. Through its characters and settings, it reflects the tension, fear, and political complexities of that time, making it a powerful exploration of how people operated under dictatorship. ‘

 

Another aspect I find interesting is the impact of Oromay and its narrative. After its official publication in 1983, the governing body discovered that Bealu had exposed secrets of the Red Star Campaign. Shortly afterward, there was a countrywide ban on the novel, and Bealu mysteriously disappeared, never to be found. The prevailing suspicion, even today, is that the government had him executed for revealing secrets of the Derg regime.

 

 

The Data in this narrative

The “data” in this narrative is multifaceted. On one hand, it has the personal experiences of the author, who once served as the head of propaganda under the Derg regime. His insider perspective gives the novel a layer of authenticity that goes beyond mere storytelling. The narrative is also filled with historical accounts of war, political struggles, and the deep ideological divisions that marked that era. Also, the book includes references to actual places, people, and real-life objects, which ground the fictional elements in a recognizable reality. These details make the novel feel not only like a piece of art but also a document of political history, providing the reader with a nuanced understanding of Ethiopia’s past.

 

 

How the form (i.e. the platform / media / interface) impacted my experience of the narrative? Would it be better/worse in a different form?

 

 

The form of Oromay (text format) plays a crucial role in how the story is experienced. The written format allows the author to embed hidden messages and subtle criticisms of the regime, which might have been impossible to convey in other media forms. Through text, the author can present layers of meaning that challenge the reader to dig deeper, uncovering the complexity of the characters and the political situation. A visual medium, like a movie or TV show, would likely lose this subtlety, and the narrative would risk becoming overly simplistic or diluted. The text format also allows for extensive exploration of the inner thoughts of each character, which would be difficult to achieve in another form. The introspective nature of the characters is crucial to understanding their motivations and the larger political shennangians at play.

 

Narrative 2: The Cosemere by Brandon Sanderson

 

 

CHATGPT’s Reflection

Why it’s interesting to me

 

The Cosmere, a collection of interconnected stories by Brandon Sanderson, is one of the most expansive and captivating narrative universes in modern fantasy. What draws me to it is its epic scope combined with the relatability of its characters. Despite being set in completely fantastical worlds the characters wrestle with emotions, struggles, and dilemmas that resonate on a deeply human level. (The book also deals a lot with mental health) This contrast between the extraordinary nature of the worlds they inhabit and their very grounded, personal experiences creates a compelling tension that pulls me in as a reader.

 

One of the aspects I find most fascinating about the Cosmere is the way it collects various stories, each set on a different planet with its own distinct characteristics. The fact that Sanderson created not just different worlds but entire solar systems, religions, and histories for each planet shows the detail that goes into the making of this universe. I love how each world feels wholly separate, with its own rules, politics, and cultures, yet at the same time, they are all subtly linked (with easter eggs and linking characters). This ability to create self-contained yet interconnected stories across multiple books and worlds is what makes the Cosmere so rich and immersive. It’s not just a series of books, but an entire universe of narratives woven together through overarching themes and characters who travel between worlds.

 

The Data in this narrative

The “data” within the Cosmere is similarly layered and complex. Each world comes with its own metaphysical elements like unique magic systems that operate according to specific rules as well as weather patterns set it apart. The depth of lore within the Cosmere is another thing that I can associate as data; each book contains rich historical backgrounds, societal norms, and ethical frameworks that are tied to the worlds the characters inhabit.

 

The series also borrows elements from the real world, particularly when it comes to scientific and technological advancements. Brandon often blends real-world principles with the fantasy elements of his universe, grounding the story’s more fantastical aspects in familiar concepts. This makes the world-building feel more believable, despite the surreal environments.

 

 

How the form (i.e. the platform / media / interface) impacted my experience of the narrative? Would it be better/worse in a different form?

 

When it comes to form,  I believe the book format is ideal for Sanderson’s expansive storytelling, but its length and complexity might turn  some readers off. The interconnected nature of the Cosmere means that fully appreciating the universe requires a significant time investment (it is really bad), as each book adds layers to the broader narrative.

 

I believe the Cosmere would shine in another form particularly as an anime. While live-action adaptations would struggle to capture the full scope of the fantasy world, an animated format could do justice to the visual and imaginative aspects of the Cosmere. An anime adaptation, in particular, could explore the detailed magic systems, complex characters, and diverse worlds with the kind of care and creativity that live-action might struggle with.