The Tinderbox by Hans Christian Andersen

SYNOPSIS AND REFLECTION

Found below is my individual interpretation and synopsis for The Tinderbox 

http://hca.gilead.org.il/tinderbx.html

"Whilst venturing towards homeland a terminated solider from battle and conflict crosses paths with a mysterious old aged witch. The witch, a temptress at best offers a proposition to the solider which is snatched with no hesitation. In return, the solider not only increases his wealth considerably, but he obtains disloyally (by slaughtering the witch) a magical tinderbox which possesses the ability to summon ferocious dogs which turn for command. In a twist and turn of events, the solider goes through phases of greed, generosity, obsession, and knocks heavily on deaths door only to cunningly escape to furthermore obtain unrestricted power. Once a solider, now a King."

Upon initial reflection I found even though the storyline could be easily distinguished, lingering underneath lays enormous potential and space for experimentation. It's apparent to me that intertwining Edo Japan into the existing story may provide difficulty so, I decided that I'd rewrite the story during the Edo period. This will result in successfully creating a more realistic character who will have their own background story. If I were to present a character with no emotion or story behind it, it'd simply just be a drawing. But with the relevant writing and research, that character will be transformed into something far more relatable to those who perceive it.

Before conducting my research on Edo Japan itself in order for me to rewrite Christians story, I thought I'd take this last opportunity to deluge into the existing piece by writing a brief description on each character. Excluding the main character (solider, whom is described within the synopsis) below I've highlighted the key facts about each character.

• Witch - the witch is introduced into the story as "frightful", despite this neither her behaviour or persona perceive her as a negative person. There's no indication that she's neither good nor bad.
• Dogs - there are three dogs presented during the story, but for creative purpose these are to be excluded. There are three dogs, one more powerful and ferocious than the others.
• Servant - there's little and very vague details about this character, there is also no indication to whether or not this character is female or male. The servant comes across both curious and suspicious "the servant, who cleaned his boots, thought they certainly were a shabby pair to be worn by such a rich gentleman".
• Towns People - my first reaction was judgemental, after the solider had produced finer clothes suddenly the towns people seemed far more interested in him. They had no desire to communicate with the solider before he indulged in finer items, they did not want involve themselves with another commoner. The towns people visited him, whispering wonders of the town and stories of the princess when the solider became more approachable.
• Princess - not a very frightful woman, a strange man kidnaps her and she thinks nothing of it other than love. Her parents are murdered and she righteously becomes Queen without a hint of remorse - a spiteful and selfish character.  
• King - lazy and laid back, throughout the story duration he gives very little input. It seems the King is used to letting others do the difficult work for him (like capturing the solider), this is until the final decision is to be made where he wields his power.
• Queen - a women who isn't afraid to put her right foot forward, the Queen isn't shy to show off her practical thinking and in result obtains what she desires. A very powerful being.
• Old lady - the old woman is never identified as anything other than "the old woman", yet she seems to hold a high status as she's kept in the royal residence and has granted permission to voice opinion - it seems she does not work in the castle but may be a relative of the King and Queen or perhaps a dear friend. Even though the old lady has many opinions, her practical thinking isn't up to scratch. She seems quite an abrupt character whom acts on instinct- which as the story tells, doesn't always pay off.
• Shoemakers boy - this particular character is brave, he does not fear speaking to strangers as he gladly stops to speak to the solider (someone who at this point is behind bars). For all the boy knows, he could be a vicious criminal. The boy is also accustom to bribe, whether it be he needs the money or he's simply a child who'd gladly accept profit no doubly accepting the bribe shows greed and no hesitation to think of what he may be doing. He asks no questions and is fast and agile.

Next step forward - happy with the knowledge I've gained on Christians story, it's now time to research into the Edo period. I need to have enough information in order to create a character and rewrite Christians story.