Rule #27: A Test Case

A Test Case

In order to fully understand a story and detect any hidden meanings one must first have a fundamental understanding of the story, and then more intricate understandings of the story can branch off of that. For example a very basic story may have other meanings that signify the transition of adolescence into adulthood, or could have something to do with the class system.

• Deal with the obvious before dealing with the non-obvious.
• Understand what literally happens then look for hidden meaning.
• After understanding what things are, understand why they are.

Examples:

• The Garden Party and how it can be transferred into Persephone’s journey into Hades.
• The television show “Breaking Bad” is a great example of this. On the surface the story is about a science teacher turned drug manufacturer that ruins his life and family. If one looks more into the story you find that the main character had many reasons for doing what he did. On the surface the main character only started manufacturing drugs to pay for his medical bills and leave money for his family after he was gone. But once one looks more into it you find that the main reason for his actions was mostly a pride issue and it becomes a lot more about why he is doing what is doing, rather than just being shocked at the fact that he’s doing it.

Photo credit: g4r37h via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND