Assesment

1. Are there any prominent symbols in the story? If so, what are they and how are they used?

The relationship between the two characters I think is a symbol. It is used basically to tell the story. We gradually learn whats happening through these apologies about past events in this couples life. Another symbol is the martian. We don't really know if the main character is who is talking is a martian, but we suspect that he is because he talks about human thing as if he is not human. We also figure out that the martians want to invade earth. In parts of the story the character speaking talks about wearing a costume. Costumes are a classic symbol for heroes and villains so I think that it's important that he talks about hiding his costume and doing costume changes. There is also a lot of talk about Doctor Kagan their couples therapist. The idea that this evil alien villain would being going to see a couples therapist with his girlfriend is just funny and ironic. I think the biggest symbol is the apologies. The whole story is told through these apologies, but some of them aren't really apologies at all.

2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work with which you were able to connect.

I was able to connect with the relationship talk the people are having. I've been in relationships where I've had to apologize for things or needed for the other person to just hear me out. This is also a very common thing in movies I've seen except the conversation is clearly under different circumstances. I was also able to connect with the whole idea of heroes vs. villains as I have seen many super hero movies. It made me think of the movie Mega Mind because it was from the villains point of view rather than the heroes. I also thought some of the humor in it was similar to that in Mega Mind. The idea that the villain can have feelings for someone or sort of feel bad about what they are doing, but not bad enough not to do the evil thing they plan to do. It also made me think of the villain in the cartoon Phineas and Ferb with the idea that the villain could sort of play a comical more human role in the story. Another aspect I connected with was the couples therapy. My dad is a pastor and does therapy for couples all the time. I think some of the things the main character mentioned the therapist said to focus on were spot on.

3. What changes would you make to adapt this story in another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?

I would adapt this story into a movie because I think it would be funny and entertaining. I would probably start the movie like the story with the holographic projection of the guy talking to the girl. But when he goes through the list of apologies I would have flash backs showing these memories instead of the main character just talking about them. I think this would get people more engaged in the story and would get the viewer more connected with this couple. I would also adapt the ending so that we know what decision Susanna makes. I also think having a better understanding of what is happening to Susanna while she is hearing all these apologies would be good. In the story we don't get her reaction at all so I would definitely try to show that in the movie.