Frostweaver
Ancient + Prehistoric
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- Seen Sep 12, 2016
"What is a good fanfic" has always been a frequent question within this forum. Sometimes people wonder what sets apart a fanfic from the rest that makes them a "Fanfic of the Week" story. So I've decided to do a complete analysis of my personal favorite story in PC, in order to show just why does this fanfic deserve such high praise along with why is this fanfic classified as a "good" one. (Also, it's the first fanfic to win the Standard of Excellence award from me.)
As well on a side note, now you know exactly how I mark a fanfic. ;p Perhaps this can teach people how to read fanfics a little bit too.
Fanfic Analysis Currently Featuring:
Reflections, LilyPichu
-study of title
-study of how motifs can enhance a story
-study of setting's influence on theme
-study of characterization
-study of theme/s
Trial of Reluctance, Meitantei Isaac <coming soon>
-study of tone
-study of characterization
-study of support characters/minor characters' contribution to the story
-study of coherence in multiple plotlines
-study of theme/s
Reflections, Lilypichu- Complete Analysis
-we'll go paragraph by paragraph to analysis the living daylight out of this fanfic to see just what is so good about it.
Before the analysis begins, always check where the writer resides. Knowing that Lilypichu lives in US, be sure to readjust your mind to the standard of USA english (so friends in england/australia will have to change their mindset a bit.)
Before the fanfic starts, a good reviewer should pause to think about the title. The title got no sign of title characters so we can set that worry aside. Reflections suggest thoughts and metacognition (meaning to think about thinking), or a character looking back on a past event (which means that the story maybe written in past narrative form then.) If the story doesn't turn out to show these 2 traits, then the title is most likely an ineffective title because it doesn't show the ideas of the story. However, this oneshot does talk about thoughts so the title is good. Also, the title reveals a little about the theme, yet hardly anything about the plot (it's not explicit at all), so this title is considered a good title.
A set of character description at work. Not only are there physical descriptions, but this shows us a bit about Hannah as well. Look at the choice of diction of the name. Hannah means "graceful and favorable." The name has already implicily foreshadowed what is to come as the story progresses, and what Hannah is truly like deep inside... Other warm descriptions of her actions along with the setting create support for this claim, creating coherence in the story.
The action of looking at something/someone with his/her glasses lowered is often a symbol of analysing, and such people who often have to analysis things are doctors, police or psychologists, and etc. Before the story even tells us her profession, we've already learned what her possible professions are.
Good fanfics aren't flawless. Here a sentence starts off with "but" and that isn't too good of a start. "But" is used at the start of this compound sentence two times, which means that this turns out to be a run-on sentence as well. This is a slight grammatical flaw, which isn't very fatal though. The sentence structure can be reworded slightly here.
The boy is already casted in a negative light. The setting is described with "golden light" earlier in the paragraph, yet the usage of "but" suggests how the boy is to the opposite of the surrounding. The boy is most likely the antagonist of the story. However, keep in mind that the narrative is based on Hannah. Narrations can always be wrong... Keep this image in mind that the boy is to the opposite of the narrator's description of the surroundings.
It's Diction-Goddess at work here... so much to say.
"Queerest," "eccentric" and "obdurate" all suggest the fact that Hannah and the boy are the opposite to one another. They cannot understand each other at all. Sighing then crossing one's leg is the body movement to express boredom as well. "Scribbling down on the clipboard" is also a rather boring tone of voice, which matches the suggestion of boredom. This is as if Hannah is acting only due to responsibility, which she heavily dislikes if we remember that the author suggested how Hannah is "carefree."
The boy's description furthers the character foil (meaning differences between characters) with Hannah. While Hannah relies on the light being casted on her (from paragraph 2), the boy has the light within himself. The outdoor nature is described as the surrounding for Hannah, while the outdoor nature is described to be in the boy instead. Notice the contrast in how the author is comparing the two characters' differences with similar items.
1st time the motif of scribbling down something on paper appears... yet nothing has been answered, and Hannah is already writing things. Rather questionable...
The window is often a symbol of looking out, or a way for one to see. The outside world is shown in its full glory, making the setting (which is the indoor) more antagonistic. The setting is further described as dull, similiar to Hannah's opinion about what she is doing. Whatever is going on, we know that it's hated by everyone. It's safe to assume that the outside world is a paradise, as it is suggested as a dream and not a "reality." This really starts the possibility of a theme about urbanization.
Another secret hint has been dropped about how the ending will turn out. Compassion is given from the outside world to the inside. Remember what/who is described with similiar ideas of being compassionate...?
The tone suggests frustration already... some further support of how Hannah's description is really far apart of the boy's description which is associated with nature.
The indoor setting is further emphasized as a terrible place to be. It is described as no freedom, while the grass (in the outside world) represents freedom here. The wall and the floor are all beige color, as if every part of the room are identical. Everything points toward to be similiar to a prison.
Also, it's the second time in the story which Ash is associated with the wind along with freedom already.
More frustrating tone in narration. This tone will continue on for awile... just that this time even the narration declares out that this tone is meant to sound frustrated.
Ash has a messy appearance, unlike Hannah again who has lipsticks on with her skin described as beautiful. However, it's further contrast between natural and the unnatural. We also see that Ash is also equally observative, as he looked up to see what she is going to write on the click of a pen.
2nd appearance of the motif is right here. However, the questionable topic of what Hannah is writing remains. (keep this thought in mind for now)
The idea of the unnatural being a false face (known as lying) continues on, being one of the many themes in this work. Her smile is a terribly unnatural one.
Ash, often associated with the idea of dreams and freedom, is rather surrounded by Hannah who represents the unnatural and imprisoning. Suddenly, we find the roles of the "good guy"/"bad guy" flipped around. The narration is based on the "bad guy" actually. The use of "steely" here further shows how Hannah/the urban world is rather imprisoning all that is inside.
A small irony is here at the end of paragraph 12. Ash is in fact pretty observant, and for a 7 yr old boy, he knows how to protect himself by diverting his eyes to avoid eye contact. Ash is actually acting more mature than his age. This is also the first of waves to come as Hannah being the one who fails to see what is happening (which is another irony in itself considering what she is suppose to be doing due to her profession.)
A vivid description which suggests what Ash imagines, adding realism to the story... Setting is now explicitly alluding itself to being a prison and a cold place, along with Hannah being associated with the same thing. Ash is further associated with the capability to see. The second theme has been revealed: the power to understand and comprehend.
Hannah got even more negative comments, interrupting dreams. A humour is presented here, as Hannah mocks herself by accusing Ash of being impatient. This is also another support for Hannah being incapable of understanding the situation.
Hannah is now called "unrecognizable." Relating back to the beginning paragraphs, Ash is described as unrecognizable to Hannah. This creates another irony if one re-reads the first part. Hannah is the opposite to Ash according to the previous build-up, and if Hannah is unrecognizable (unclear), then Ash must be the one who is clear all along. Don't forget that Hannah has a pair of glasses, symbolic for needing aide in order to see things more clearly.
Motif of writing strikes back... now she is writing about something she already knows. She did ask "who did you fight with *this time*" meaning that she already knows what is the problem. So what is she writing anyway? Safe to conclude that she is writing things that she has observed, but are actually rather pointless or petty things.
I believe that the "was her reply" should have read "was his reply" there... a typo there. It doesn't make sense otherwise.
Explicitly, the author shows us the great observant skills of Ash which actually outsmarts Hannah who is the "professional". The idea of forcing herself to do something backs the theme of the false face. Notice how every paragraph relates back or support everything else? This is the coherence in a story, with one part of the story supporting another- evidence of careful planning and well chosen sentence structure.
Jotting down stuff again, but the narration never tell us just what is she writing, as if they are irrelevant... at most they are just "words."
Hannah mocks herself again as she is rather upset at Ash who lost his temper and hit Gary, while she is facing similiar problems with Ash.
Ash is again related to nature, this time talking about beling like waves.
Ash is very coherent with the anime version of himself, which is truly nice to see (this is a *fan*fic afterall). Ash is rather being very truthful here, unlike Hannah's false face. He lets out his emotions immediately, while Hannah is suppressing them with her greatest might. Everything is natural with Ash.
A paradox is present here. Ash is described as having a blank look, but he did just expressed his opinions vividly with anger and all his emotions. Doubt arise about the reliability of the narrator, who is more associated with Hannah than with Ash... Again, we start doubting if Hannah really knows what is goiong on.
However, a change descends upon Hannah. This time, the jotting of notes occur when something did really happen. The last time this happened a little bit too... Ash did reply something that's worth recording to some degree. This time, the writing is justified. Slowly, Hannah is changing regardless of the negative buildup.
Simplest matters, and the obvious truth... even more suggestions of no cover ups for Ash at all.
Hannah's mockery about patience continued, as she is feeling terribly upset at Ash. Often do we feel that time goes by slower then the situation is boring/frustrating, and this is true for both Hannah and Ash. Ash's legs are often swinging when the narrator mentions how one feels angry while the other one is bored.
Another theme begins, which talk of children and purity... Ash is "virtuous." The theme of the false face, and being knowledgable can add on to the fanfic's opinion about children as well. Ideas overlap to support one another, which is another reason why this fanfic is so wonderful...
As well on a side note, now you know exactly how I mark a fanfic. ;p Perhaps this can teach people how to read fanfics a little bit too.
Fanfic Analysis Currently Featuring:
Reflections, LilyPichu
-study of title
-study of how motifs can enhance a story
-study of setting's influence on theme
-study of characterization
-study of theme/s
Trial of Reluctance, Meitantei Isaac <coming soon>
-study of tone
-study of characterization
-study of support characters/minor characters' contribution to the story
-study of coherence in multiple plotlines
-study of theme/s
Reflections, Lilypichu- Complete Analysis
-we'll go paragraph by paragraph to analysis the living daylight out of this fanfic to see just what is so good about it.
Before the analysis begins, always check where the writer resides. Knowing that Lilypichu lives in US, be sure to readjust your mind to the standard of USA english (so friends in england/australia will have to change their mindset a bit.)
title said:
Before the fanfic starts, a good reviewer should pause to think about the title. The title got no sign of title characters so we can set that worry aside. Reflections suggest thoughts and metacognition (meaning to think about thinking), or a character looking back on a past event (which means that the story maybe written in past narrative form then.) If the story doesn't turn out to show these 2 traits, then the title is most likely an ineffective title because it doesn't show the ideas of the story. However, this oneshot does talk about thoughts so the title is good. Also, the title reveals a little about the theme, yet hardly anything about the plot (it's not explicit at all), so this title is considered a good title.
A rather effective opening as a question creates mystery, and brings the reader to read on forward. Shows the setting of a dialogue as well.1st paragraph said:
2nd paragraph said:
A set of character description at work. Not only are there physical descriptions, but this shows us a bit about Hannah as well. Look at the choice of diction of the name. Hannah means "graceful and favorable." The name has already implicily foreshadowed what is to come as the story progresses, and what Hannah is truly like deep inside... Other warm descriptions of her actions along with the setting create support for this claim, creating coherence in the story.
The action of looking at something/someone with his/her glasses lowered is often a symbol of analysing, and such people who often have to analysis things are doctors, police or psychologists, and etc. Before the story even tells us her profession, we've already learned what her possible professions are.
2nd paragraph said:
Good fanfics aren't flawless. Here a sentence starts off with "but" and that isn't too good of a start. "But" is used at the start of this compound sentence two times, which means that this turns out to be a run-on sentence as well. This is a slight grammatical flaw, which isn't very fatal though. The sentence structure can be reworded slightly here.
The boy is already casted in a negative light. The setting is described with "golden light" earlier in the paragraph, yet the usage of "but" suggests how the boy is to the opposite of the surrounding. The boy is most likely the antagonist of the story. However, keep in mind that the narrative is based on Hannah. Narrations can always be wrong... Keep this image in mind that the boy is to the opposite of the narrator's description of the surroundings.
paragraph 3 said:
It's Diction-Goddess at work here... so much to say.
"Queerest," "eccentric" and "obdurate" all suggest the fact that Hannah and the boy are the opposite to one another. They cannot understand each other at all. Sighing then crossing one's leg is the body movement to express boredom as well. "Scribbling down on the clipboard" is also a rather boring tone of voice, which matches the suggestion of boredom. This is as if Hannah is acting only due to responsibility, which she heavily dislikes if we remember that the author suggested how Hannah is "carefree."
The boy's description furthers the character foil (meaning differences between characters) with Hannah. While Hannah relies on the light being casted on her (from paragraph 2), the boy has the light within himself. The outdoor nature is described as the surrounding for Hannah, while the outdoor nature is described to be in the boy instead. Notice the contrast in how the author is comparing the two characters' differences with similar items.
1st time the motif of scribbling down something on paper appears... yet nothing has been answered, and Hannah is already writing things. Rather questionable...
paragraph 4 said:
The window is often a symbol of looking out, or a way for one to see. The outside world is shown in its full glory, making the setting (which is the indoor) more antagonistic. The setting is further described as dull, similiar to Hannah's opinion about what she is doing. Whatever is going on, we know that it's hated by everyone. It's safe to assume that the outside world is a paradise, as it is suggested as a dream and not a "reality." This really starts the possibility of a theme about urbanization.
Another secret hint has been dropped about how the ending will turn out. Compassion is given from the outside world to the inside. Remember what/who is described with similiar ideas of being compassionate...?
5th paragraph said:
The tone suggests frustration already... some further support of how Hannah's description is really far apart of the boy's description which is associated with nature.
paragraph 6 said:
The indoor setting is further emphasized as a terrible place to be. It is described as no freedom, while the grass (in the outside world) represents freedom here. The wall and the floor are all beige color, as if every part of the room are identical. Everything points toward to be similiar to a prison.
Also, it's the second time in the story which Ash is associated with the wind along with freedom already.
paragraph 7-9 said:
More frustrating tone in narration. This tone will continue on for awile... just that this time even the narration declares out that this tone is meant to sound frustrated.
Ash has a messy appearance, unlike Hannah again who has lipsticks on with her skin described as beautiful. However, it's further contrast between natural and the unnatural. We also see that Ash is also equally observative, as he looked up to see what she is going to write on the click of a pen.
paragraph 10 said:
2nd appearance of the motif is right here. However, the questionable topic of what Hannah is writing remains. (keep this thought in mind for now)
The idea of the unnatural being a false face (known as lying) continues on, being one of the many themes in this work. Her smile is a terribly unnatural one.
paragraph 11 and 12 said:
Ash, often associated with the idea of dreams and freedom, is rather surrounded by Hannah who represents the unnatural and imprisoning. Suddenly, we find the roles of the "good guy"/"bad guy" flipped around. The narration is based on the "bad guy" actually. The use of "steely" here further shows how Hannah/the urban world is rather imprisoning all that is inside.
A small irony is here at the end of paragraph 12. Ash is in fact pretty observant, and for a 7 yr old boy, he knows how to protect himself by diverting his eyes to avoid eye contact. Ash is actually acting more mature than his age. This is also the first of waves to come as Hannah being the one who fails to see what is happening (which is another irony in itself considering what she is suppose to be doing due to her profession.)
paragraph 13 said:
A vivid description which suggests what Ash imagines, adding realism to the story... Setting is now explicitly alluding itself to being a prison and a cold place, along with Hannah being associated with the same thing. Ash is further associated with the capability to see. The second theme has been revealed: the power to understand and comprehend.
paragraph 14 said:
Hannah got even more negative comments, interrupting dreams. A humour is presented here, as Hannah mocks herself by accusing Ash of being impatient. This is also another support for Hannah being incapable of understanding the situation.
paragraph 15 said:
Hannah is now called "unrecognizable." Relating back to the beginning paragraphs, Ash is described as unrecognizable to Hannah. This creates another irony if one re-reads the first part. Hannah is the opposite to Ash according to the previous build-up, and if Hannah is unrecognizable (unclear), then Ash must be the one who is clear all along. Don't forget that Hannah has a pair of glasses, symbolic for needing aide in order to see things more clearly.
Motif of writing strikes back... now she is writing about something she already knows. She did ask "who did you fight with *this time*" meaning that she already knows what is the problem. So what is she writing anyway? Safe to conclude that she is writing things that she has observed, but are actually rather pointless or petty things.
I believe that the "was her reply" should have read "was his reply" there... a typo there. It doesn't make sense otherwise.
paragraph 16 said:
Explicitly, the author shows us the great observant skills of Ash which actually outsmarts Hannah who is the "professional". The idea of forcing herself to do something backs the theme of the false face. Notice how every paragraph relates back or support everything else? This is the coherence in a story, with one part of the story supporting another- evidence of careful planning and well chosen sentence structure.
paragraph 17 said:
Jotting down stuff again, but the narration never tell us just what is she writing, as if they are irrelevant... at most they are just "words."
Hannah mocks herself again as she is rather upset at Ash who lost his temper and hit Gary, while she is facing similiar problems with Ash.
Ash is again related to nature, this time talking about beling like waves.
18 said:
Ash is very coherent with the anime version of himself, which is truly nice to see (this is a *fan*fic afterall). Ash is rather being very truthful here, unlike Hannah's false face. He lets out his emotions immediately, while Hannah is suppressing them with her greatest might. Everything is natural with Ash.
A paradox is present here. Ash is described as having a blank look, but he did just expressed his opinions vividly with anger and all his emotions. Doubt arise about the reliability of the narrator, who is more associated with Hannah than with Ash... Again, we start doubting if Hannah really knows what is goiong on.
However, a change descends upon Hannah. This time, the jotting of notes occur when something did really happen. The last time this happened a little bit too... Ash did reply something that's worth recording to some degree. This time, the writing is justified. Slowly, Hannah is changing regardless of the negative buildup.
paragraph 19-21 said:
Simplest matters, and the obvious truth... even more suggestions of no cover ups for Ash at all.
Hannah's mockery about patience continued, as she is feeling terribly upset at Ash. Often do we feel that time goes by slower then the situation is boring/frustrating, and this is true for both Hannah and Ash. Ash's legs are often swinging when the narrator mentions how one feels angry while the other one is bored.
Another theme begins, which talk of children and purity... Ash is "virtuous." The theme of the false face, and being knowledgable can add on to the fanfic's opinion about children as well. Ideas overlap to support one another, which is another reason why this fanfic is so wonderful...
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