Papyrus Rampant

Papyrus Rampant delves into the essence of storytelling across various contexts, exploring the construction and impact of narratives in history, literature, and theory. It examines storytelling techniques, historical events, the role of explorations, and the intersection of fantasy with reality, while offering critical analysis and reflections on books and story-driven themes.

Storytelling Techniques Historical Analysis Fantasy and Historical Fiction Literary Criticism and Reviews Theory of Story Cultural and Historical Events Character and Narrative Development Exploration and Discovery

The hottest Substack posts of Papyrus Rampant

And their main takeaways

It's been six months

99 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
  1. The author has been running the blog 'Papyrus Rampant' for six months with over 130 subscribers.
  2. The author is excited to continue writing posts and has plans for future topics like why fantasy novels are useful.
  3. Upcoming content includes a potential guest post from the author's sister and continuation of the 'Short Reviews' series.

Poor Lenses For a Story

99 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
  1. Sometimes a book may not meet your expectations, leaving you wanting a different perspective or story.
  2. Using the wrong lens to tell a story can lead to a disconnect between the author's focus and the reader's interest.
  3. Authors should ensure the main characters or lenses they use fit well with the story's narrative to avoid losing readers' engagement.

The Election of 1800

99 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
  1. The Election of 1800 marked the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties in the United States federal government.
  2. Despite apocalyptic rhetoric, the election process in 1800 resulted in the triumph of a peaceful transition of power from Federalists to Republicans.
  3. Political parties emerged in the U.S. despite the Founding Fathers' opposition, leading to heated campaigns, maneuvers to sway electors, and a tie-breaking vote in the House of Representatives.

The Whiskey Rebellion and the Tensions of the West

59 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
  1. The Whiskey Rebellion arose from tax resistance in the Western frontier, highlighting the disparities between the East and West in the early United States.
  2. The tensions between the East and West in the US were not new, with past disputes like those in Vermont and Tennessee showcasing longstanding cultural and political differences.
  3. The Whiskey Rebellion marked the end of notable Western rebellions due to the firm enforcement of federal authority and the subsequent rise of the West's political influence in the country.

Guest Reviews by Hobbits

79 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
  1. Two hobbits, Pippin and Rosie, review a book called "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe."
  2. They discuss the theme of cooperation and reliance on others, comparing it to their own experiences in Middle-earth.
  3. The hobbits ponder on the traits of wisdom, leadership, and the passing of eras, reflecting on the choices made by characters in the story.
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Short Reviews for June 2023

59 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
  1. The Subterranean Railway book delves into the history of the London Underground, highlighting the challenges faced by private investors and government management.
  2. Apollo: The Race to the Moon sheds light on the crucial role of Mission Control in the success of the Apollo program, showcasing the importance of intense training and simulations.
  3. Island of Ghosts presents a historical drama set in the Roman Empire, exploring themes of honor, duty, and cultural clashes in a vivid portrayal of Roman and Sarmatian life.

Against Elleman on Japanese Internment

19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
  1. Prisoner exchanges between nations in wars have historical significance, like in the US Civil War, but challenges like who to exchange and why can arise.
  2. Concerns about sabotage during World War II led to Japanese-American internment camps, but evidence linking internment to the exchange program is lacking.
  3. Japanese-Americans in internment camps showed loyalty to the US despite the option to return to Japan, highlighting the complexity and questionable necessity of the camps.

The Advantages of Fantasy

79 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
  1. Fantasy allows for 'everyman' characters to take significant actions without needing detailed explanations.
  2. Fantasy gives individual characters greater agency and can showcase larger consequences of their actions.
  3. Fantasy allows authors to introduce different tradeoffs, risks, and themes through the rules of the fantasy world.

Offstage Villains and Telling a Balanced Story

19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
  1. A balanced story should include all perspectives, not just the most visible ones.
  2. When telling a story, ensure that all characters, even offstage villains, are portrayed in a balanced way.
  3. In storytelling, it's important to provide a complete picture of the characters involved, even if it means delving into different perspectives.

Paul Revere in the Story of History

59 implied HN points • 06 May 23
  1. Paul Revere's famous midnight ride was just one part of his life story.
  2. Revere was not only a silversmith, but he also ventured into iron, bronze casting, and started the first large-scale copper mill in America.
  3. Despite being known for his midnight ride, Revere's contributions to America's industrial development sometimes overshadowed his military ambitions.

The Kings Who Didn't Do Anything

79 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
  1. Having a king who does nothing can be advantageous.
  2. Constitutional monarchy aims to keep the monarchy more as a theoretical symbol than a practical ruler.
  3. The loyalty to an absentee monarch, who represents a symbol rather than taking actions, can be complex and enduring.

Don't Deride the Masses

39 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
  1. The trope of protagonists being the only ones who understand the truth is common in science fiction.
  2. This trope can create conflict in the story and make the protagonist appear more special and sympathetic.
  3. This trope can reflect historical contexts of secrecy, power fantasies, and even create a sense of superiority in readers.

Memories of Childhood Storytelling

79 implied HN points • 07 Jan 23
  1. The author and their sister created elaborate, long-running narratives with their stuffed animals during childhood.
  2. The storytelling evolved from random incidents to adventures to organized civic life in Beanbag City.
  3. Factors like having a lot of stuffed animals, being homeschooled, and not having a TV contributed to the rich imagination and storytelling of the author and their sister.

Impure Gold, But Still Gold

99 implied HN points • 08 Oct 22
  1. Naomi Novik's Scholomance series explores a unique concept of a magic boarding school in a dangerous world.
  2. The third book in the series, The Golden Enclaves, delivers a satisfying conclusion but simplifies some key conflicts.
  3. Despite some aspects being rushed, the series is still worth reading for its intriguing premise and character development.

Gaps in History

79 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
  1. Historical gaps exist where the actual facts are unknown and can't be known.
  2. Scholars and historians may make supported guesses or interpretations to fill in these gaps.
  3. Despite efforts, there will always be gaps in history due to lost documents and limitations in historical records.

Why Did France Fall?

59 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
  1. France's operational failures in 1940, like lack of strategic reserve and poor communications, were key reasons for its fall.
  2. France's defeat in 1940 led to a perception of high warweariness and political struggles as main causes, overshadowing the operational failures.
  3. France's unique history of World War I devastation and fears of German resurgence contributed to a level of defeatism and pacifism that differed from other defeated countries.

Some Thoughts on Sequels

59 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
  1. Fans often want more from the authors they love, especially sequels with the same characters they adore.
  2. Authors face challenges in creating sequels to beloved stories, especially in keeping characters dynamic and the story engaging.
  3. Creating a successful sequel involves striking a balance between meeting reader expectations and exploring new directions.

Boston and the Changes of Modernity

39 implied HN points • 10 Jun 23
  1. Boston's landscape has changed significantly over the centuries due to modern development and technology
  2. The shift to new resources like coal and innovative city planning led to significant transformations in urban areas like Boston
  3. Preserving historical sites alongside modern developments in cities like Boston offers a unique way to experience history

Golden Age science fiction

39 implied HN points • 27 May 23
  1. Golden Age science fiction stories are often optimistic and focus on the belief in possibility and individual agency.
  2. These stories heavily feature science and technology as solutions to problems, with a focus on ingenuity and excitement about scientific discoveries.
  3. While these classic sci-fi novels may have outdated or scientifically incorrect elements, they still offer valuable insights into the cultural and societal norms of the time they were written.

The Extravagant Details of Biography

59 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
  1. Be cautious of biographies that start with extensive childhood background
  2. Consider biographies that skip childhood details and focus on specific eras for a more engaging read
  3. Different biographies serve different purposes, some delve into extensive details while others provide analysis and commentary

The Story of Thanksgiving As a Story

59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 22
  1. Thanksgiving in the US commemorates the Pilgrim settlers' feast with Native Americans, emphasizing gratitude and peace.
  2. The tradition of Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims became prominent in national memory despite other successful settlers preceding them.
  3. The story of the Pilgrims appeals better as a historical narrative for holidays and pageants compared to the Jamestown settlement.

Helping Your Protagonist Shine

39 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
  1. TV writing challenges include fast pace and limited time to develop characters and plots.
  2. Character dynamics play a crucial role in TV shows and across different media.
  3. Make your protagonist relatable and interesting by exploring various roles and disguises.

The Giver: A Simple, Cozy Dystopia

59 implied HN points • 01 Oct 22
  1. The Giver is different from other YA dystopias, portraying a simpler, cozier dystopia.
  2. The book focuses on the banality of evil within a seemingly utopian community.
  3. The ending of the story is intentionally open-ended to reflect the theme of unpredictability.

Gangster Government

59 implied HN points • 24 Sep 22
  1. Sudhir Venkatesh's study of a gang in Chicago revealed parallels between the gang's structure and a government's functions.
  2. Residents of Robert Taylor Homes recognized the gang as a government, acknowledging its authority despite the illegitimacy.
  3. The gang's role as an unrecognized government in providing services and maintaining order highlights the importance of accessible central government services.

The Depths of Middle-Earth

59 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
  1. Tolkien's Middle-Earth has a vast and complex history with details that were meticulously crafted over his lifetime.
  2. The depth and richness of Tolkien's legendarium simulates the complexity of real history, providing new discoveries with each study.
  3. Christopher Tolkien played a crucial role in collecting and publishing his father's unfinished works, allowing readers to delve deeper into the world of Middle-Earth beyond 'The Lord of the Rings.'

On Story

59 implied HN points • 10 Sep 22
  1. Storytelling has the power to convey complex ideas and inspire imagination.
  2. Collaboration and everyone playing their part is key in creating meaningful work.
  3. Fairy tales provide children with hope and show that evil can be defeated.

Short Reviews for August 2023

19 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
  1. Delaware had a unique history with slavery and abolition, different from the rest of the US.
  2. The book 'Gods of the Andes' offers a perspective on Inca religion and Spanish conquest.
  3. G. K. Chesterton's 'The Ball and the Cross' is a wild novel for those who enjoy Chesterton's style.

Speculations about a "Last Battle" movie

39 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
  1. Mainstream film producers are reluctant to film 'The Last Battle' due to its explicit Christian themes and controversial plot elements.
  2. Adapting 'The Last Battle' into a movie poses challenges such as presenting complex theology to a largely secular audience and translating Lewis's plot into visually engaging cinema.
  3. The controversial nature of 'The Last Battle' could make it a challenging but potentially impactful movie if done right, with themes of deception, faith, and divine judgment.

Short reviews for December

39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
  1. Short reviews of novels for December are shared with engaging insights.
  2. Laura Amy Schlitz creates captivating children's books that are enjoyable for all ages.
  3. Some sci-fi and near-future books provide interesting premises but fall short in character development and execution.

Local or Systemic Moral Ambiguity

39 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
  1. Criticism of Tolkien for lack of moral ambiguity in characters and institutions.
  2. Comparison between Tolkien's 'local moral ambiguity' and modern 'systemic moral ambiguity' in speculative fiction.
  3. Importance of both styles of storytelling - morally clear causes and conflicting causes - in literature.

Constantine and his Legacy

39 implied HN points • 29 Oct 22
  1. Constantine's victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge led to the official legalization and favoring of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
  2. Constantine's embrace of Christianity as a political move shifted the Church's focus, attracting wealth and influence but also leading to new temptations.
  3. Constantine's actions set precedents for church councils to settle doctrinal disputes and for imperial interference in church governance.

Telling the Story of a Social Movement

39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
  1. Telling the story of a social movement can be challenging due to the complexity of group dynamics and individual experiences within the movement.
  2. Historical studies of social movements often highlight trends and anecdotes from different groups to provide an overview.
  3. In storytelling, focusing on individual agency within a social movement can create a more engaging narrative while still acknowledging the collective impact.

A Modern Kids' Adventure Story

19 implied HN points • 13 May 23
  1. Modern children's books can still capture the essence of old adventure tales.
  2. The challenge in modern stories is creating believable scenarios for child protagonists.
  3. Adapting to modern times while maintaining traditional storytelling elements is key.

Short Reviews for March 2023

19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
  1. The Lost Prince is a children's adventure novel with a focus on duty and consciousness for adventure.
  2. Then Arthur Fought is a reconstructed historical narrative of Dark Ages Britain centered around King Arthur.
  3. The Birth of the Codex discusses the transition from scrolls to codices in book writing, particularly in the Roman world.

Short reviews for February

19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 23
  1. The Cherokee syllabary invented by Sequoyah played a crucial role in Cherokee culture and literacy.
  2. The 'Massacre at Mountain Meadows' book delves into the complexities of an event where Mormon settlers in Utah massacred a wagon train.
  3. John Bingham's contribution to the Fourteenth Amendment was significant in enforcing the Bill of Rights against the states.

Memories of Childhood Storytelling, Part Two

19 implied HN points • 14 Jan 23
  1. The childhood storytelling game had a very episodic nature, with no conscious pacing.
  2. A wide variety of interests and references influenced the game characters and stories.
  3. Playing with stuffed animals helped develop storytelling and writing habits, and playing with someone else and having an audience mattered.

Transitions in History

19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 22
  1. New Year's resolutions often fail because old habits are hard to break.
  2. Historical transitions do not happen quickly; they unfold gradually over time.
  3. Significant historical events mark points in ongoing changes, but the full impact takes time to unfold.

Memories of Mid-Century Kids' Books

19 implied HN points • 10 Dec 22
  1. Childhood books can bring back nostalgic memories and offer insights into past influences.
  2. Children's books from mid-century often featured short lengths and relied on readers' imagination.
  3. Mid-century children's books showcased themes of kids' autonomy and problem-solving skills, even in historical settings.

Showing Shakespeare's Talent Without Meaning To

19 implied HN points • 05 Nov 22
  1. To Be Or Not To Be: A Chooseable-Path Adventure uses Shakespeare's Hamlet for a fun choose-your-own-adventure book.
  2. Shakespeare's tragedies are centered on a protagonist's tragic flaw that leads to their downfall.
  3. Shakespeare's talent lies not just in plot, but in language that may be challenging for modern audiences.

The Smallpox Eradication Campaign

19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
  1. Smallpox eradication campaign was a significant achievement in public health.
  2. The success of the campaign was due to focused vaccination efforts and contact tracing.
  3. Challenges like variolation and cases like monkeypox show the importance of ongoing vigilance in disease control.