Literary Speculation

Literary Speculation is NOT necessarily a genre

The Aquatic Uncle Assessment Exercise

Prominent symbols in the story? What are they how are they used?

The prominent symbols in the story I noted are, water, land, evolution, Attitudes toward chance, adaptation, and kinship/generations. Water is used to represent the past and an older time. The land it used to represent the present and maybe the future. There is a sort of reverse evolution within the story where the narrators fiance wants to evolve backwards and learn to be a water dwelling creature. This poses the thought that evolution is not always linear. The uncle has a traditional and anti change attitude, but is passionate enough about his believes to be able to convince a member of a younger generation.

What connections did I make with the story? What elements did I connect with? 

We all have that old traditional family member who refuses to adapt and adjust with the times. I related to trying to stay in touch with this kind of person. Although my Grandpa is not a fish, I can relate experiences. Whenever we have to introduce someone new to that member of the family, there is always some worry that they will be offended by the old ways, crudeness and generally not PC language of the older family member. Sometimes, like in the story, we are surprised that people are charmed, intrigued by someone who is so strong in their opinions and passions.  Lastly, I relate with the element of being hesitant towards change. We all can be. we love the comfort of the familiar.

What changes could be made to adapt this story into another medium? What medium would I use? What changes would I make? 

As the current medium is written, the visuals and culture of the characters are up to the imagination. Since there are land creatures, and sea creatures of limited description, I would love to see this story in an animated short film format. The medium for the animation I would like to show the duality of the story, perhaps a live action stop motion mix. The evolved land people or creatures would be more familiar to us, and the fish or sea creatures would have an older and more crafted traditional look.