Creative Writing Assignment: A Jar Full of Memories

 

Creative Writing Assignment: A Jar Full of Memories

Assignment Title

A Jar Full of Memories: A Love Story Told Through Gifts

#### **Objective:**

Write a short romantic story that revolves around a meaningful gift exchanged between two characters. The gift should be something simple yet deeply symbolic, such as a jar filled with items that represent key moments in their relationship. Use this as a way to explore the themes of love, memory, and the significance of small gestures in a relationship.

#### **Guidelines:**

1. **Characters:**

   - Create two main characters who are in a romantic relationship. Develop their backgrounds, personalities, and the dynamics of their relationship.

   - You can choose any setting and time period, whether it’s modern-day, historical, or even futuristic.

2. **The Gift:**

   - The central element of your story is a jar filled with objects that hold special significance to the couple. These items should represent shared memories, milestones, or inside jokes.

   - Think about the symbolic meaning behind each object in the jar. How does each item connect to a specific moment in their relationship?

3. **Story Structure:**

   - **Introduction:** Introduce the characters and set the stage for the story. Give the readers a glimpse into the relationship – how long they’ve been together, how they met, and what makes their connection special.

   - **Rising Action:** Build up to the moment when one character decides to create or give the jar of memories. What motivates this gesture? How do they go about choosing the items?

   - **Climax:** The moment of gift-giving. Describe the emotions and reactions of both characters. How does the receiving character feel about the gesture? How do they respond?

   - **Falling Action:** Reflect on how the gift impacts their relationship. Does it bring them closer? Does it reveal something new about their bond?

   - **Conclusion:** End the story with a resolution that ties back to the significance of the gift. It could be a moment of realization, a deepened connection, or a new memory created together.

4. Themes:

   - Explore themes of love, memory, and the power of small, thoughtful gestures in a relationship.

   - Consider how memories can shape and strengthen a relationship, and how a simple object can carry profound meaning.

5. Word Count:

   - Aim for 1,500 to 2,500 words.

Creative Challenge:

Incorporate a flashback into your story that explains the significance of at least one item in the jar. Use this flashback to reveal something about the characters that the readers didn’t know before.

Submission:

- Submit your story with a title and a brief author’s note (optional) explaining your inspiration for the gift and how you approached the themes in the assignment.

This assignment encourages students to delve into the emotional depth of their characters and explore how small, meaningful gestures can convey powerful emotions in a relationship.