Articles
The Xena 101 Trivia Quiz
by PatC and Trish
Evans
Think you know your Xena? Take the Xena 101 Trivia Quiz and find
out!
The History of Xena: Warrior
Princess as taken from the XenaScrolls
by PatC
The Modern Need for
Mythology
Group Discussion Exerpts
The Origin of the Chakram
by Patricia
Shields
Top Ten Subtext Moments
Some more light fun, compiled by Patricia
Shields
Rules for Being a Writer
Sound advice, compiled by Bonnie
Curriculum Course of Study
As Dean of Curriculum, I offer you the following course of study:
"The Literature and Language of Xena: Warrior Princess."
Literature, as defined in Webster's dictionary, is "the
aggregate of all writings of a people, period, topic, etc."
Language is "the spoken or written means by which man expresses
himself and communicates with others."
Therefore, if Literature is the heart of expression; then
Language is the soul. It is in this context that we ask you to
explore the writings of Xena: Warrior Princess and its impact on our
culture, our time, and on you, the viewer.
There have been many debates about the show which beg the
question: "Why did this happen?" or "Where are we
going in this scenario?" I would like to take this one step
further, and ask you to compare and contrast the scripts vis a vis
the writers, not limited to, but including Steven L. Sears, R. J.
Stewart, Chris Manheim, Hilary J. Bader, Paul Robert Coyle, Adam
Armus and Nora Kay Foster.
Apart from the fact that these talented men and women have given
us some extraordinary episodes, success is measured on how the
viewer reacts -- positively or negatively -- which forms the basis
for discussion and/or heated debate. Given the fact that Seasons 3
and 4 have spawned these types of reactions, it seems appropriate
that we discuss the issues as it relates to their perception of the
characters they have created.
In an interview I had with Mr. Sears, I asked him what he loved
most about writing for the show. He responded: "All writers
love the fact that the characters 'exist' in our minds. You'll often
hear writers speak of 'hearing the voices' in their heads. So, in a
sense, I'm in the heads of Xena and Gabrielle." He went on to
say: "I enjoy the freedom to write stories like "Orphan of
War" without having a Network saying, 'You can't possibly make
Xena a mother who left her child! Or, might leave him again!!' I had
a story to tell, and I told it."
When I asked him about Season 3, he said: "There has been
much talk about a 'rift' between the characters. Some people think
it was never to be, and still others think that we will see it in an
upcoming episode. Those of you who have siblings, think about the
worst crisis you ever had with them and tell me whether it happened
all in one hour or if it was built as a result of years? The real
answer to the 'rift' question is that you're seeing it now. In fact,
you've been seeing it ever since Xena and Gabrielle first sat at a
campfire together. Friendship is an expression of the surface; love
is an expression of the soul. One is not always compatible with the
other."
Literature and language are the heart and soul of who we are;
where we have been; where we want to go. Words can persuade or
dissuade; anger or elate; confuse or convince; lead you to or lead
you away; empower or destroy. Xena: Warrior Princess is a phenomenon
because it does all these things -- through language.
Beboman
Dean of Curriculum
Questions for Discussion
- 'Crusader' - and Group Discussion Exerpts
Questions for Discussion -
'The Way' - and Group Discussion Exerpts
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