The Last Unicorn

by Peter S. Beagle

Some of you may remember the 1980s cartoon of THE LAST UNICORN. The movie is actually fairly close to the book, but the book just gives more details to the characters. The novel and the screenplay were both written by Peter S. Beagle, which explains why the movie is as good as it is. Interestingly enough, Beagle wrote the screenplay for the animated 1978 LORD OF THE RINGS film based on someone else's draft. The book was originally published in 1968.

The story follows the Unicorn. At the beginning of the book she comes to the realization that she hasn't seen any other unicorns in years. She thinks that it is just because unicorns are solitary creatures. After talking to a butterfly, she realizes that there is actually something wrong. Fearing for the lives of the other unicorns the Unicorn (she doesn't have a name) heads out looking for the land with the Red Bull. While she is traveling she comes across a traveling carnival and meets the magician Schmendrick. While he speaks as if he has seen many years, he looks like a young man and has little control over his power. He helps the Unicorn escape and tags along to try and find out where the other unicorns are. They run into a band of bandits and this time the Unicorn saves Schmendrick and in the process Molly Grue joins their party. Their journey continues and Schmendrick's faulty magic leads them into even more trouble.

I actually saw the movie of THE LAST UNICORN first and it captured my attention. When we listened to the audio book on a car trip, which is actually narrated by Peter S. Beagle, I was struck by the imagery. I always tell people I am a sucker for happy endings. But there is a passage in this story that has always stayed with me since that first time.

“The true secret in being a hero lies in knowing the order of things. The swineherd cannot already be wed to the princess when he embarks on his adventures, nor can the boy knock on the witch's door when she is already away on vacation. The wicked uncle cannot be found out and foiled before he does something wicked. Things must happen when it is time for them to happen. Quests may not simply be abandoned; prophecies may not be left to rot like unpicked fruit; unicorns may go unrescued for a very long time, but not forever. The happy ending cannot come in the middle of the story.” -- THE LAST UNICORN, Peter S. Beagle

This is the image for the graphic novel. I just learned about this version and I really want it now.

Isolation

I have recently started taking a kickboxing class at the local gym. I really enjoy the class but the downside is that I have to get ready for work at the gym. I have never felt very comfortable in any locker room. I think the majority of the population agrees with me. Luckily, since I am at the gym so early in the morning there aren't many people who are there. Thank goodness.

This last couple of times there has been a woman who talk to me while I'm in there. At first I felt rather awkward. However, the other day she starting telling me quite a bit of information about what was going on in her life. I was taken aback at first but after as the day went on I realized how cool it was. I don't even know her name. It didn't matter in the long run, she just needed someone to talk to and I happened to be there.

I think that technology has caused us to live more isolated lives. We just stuff our headphones in our ears and live in our own world. I remember a time when my older sister and I rode the bus into the city to visit our dad. As we rode the bus home there was a lady who was hilarious. She talked to everyone, and even convinced the bus driver to take a different route to save time. When I rode the bus to work I made a point of having my headphones because I didn't want to listen to what the kids were saying but on the ride home I made several friends. There are times I enjoy the isolation but other times I try to make more of an effort to interact with the world around me.

Audibly and Visibly

These are two words that don't add much to your prose. Think about it, what do they really add. When you say: Chester sighed audibly. It means the exact same thing as: Chester sighed. It is not like you would ever say: Chester sighed inaudibly. The same goes for visibly. If the character never performs the action invisibly, then there is no point in having them perform the action visibly. The reader will assume it is visible unless told otherwise.

*Communication

Intro: I know that miscommunication can be a big plot point in novels but there are times I just want to strangle the characters because they are so dense. I want to think I am better than these characters but I am not so sure. Sorry this is posted late. I didn't have access to internet this weekend.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid." I slam the book shut and let it drop to the floor.

"What's wrong this time, Jen?" my roommate Becky asks.

"These characters they are totally idiots. The entire conflict of the book revolves around miscommunication."

"So the lovebirds in the book—"

I cut her off with a howl and shake my head. "They just don't talk. This isn't realistic at all."

Our other roommate pokes her head in our room. "Don't you have a class to get to?"

"Holy crap," I lunge to my feet, scoop up my bag, and run out the door.

While I like that we live in a quiet part of the campus, it meant that I couldn't just roll out of bed and walk across the street. It was a fifteen minute brisk walk to reach my class. I pick up my pace and I slide into my seat just as the professor gets up. I sit up straighter as I catch a whiff of aftershave. Neal lets out a breathy hello as he sits down two minutes into the lecture. Our professor glares at him for a second and Neal gives an abashed grin. I can't help but smile but I turn the other way so he can't see.

Class ends and I am not sure what it was about. Neal's comments during the entire lecture kept me chuckling and his aftershave. It is like a drug. I looked forward to it every day. We have the same major and he is in four of my five classes. He sits next to me in them. I am surprised that I am still passing the classes.

"Jen, do you want to have lunch and go over our notes for our afternoon class."

More than ever. Yes. I have been waiting for this day. And my mouth says, "I have a few things I need to take care of."

Neal gives me a small smile. Oh, I love his smile. The first day he talked to me I went home and gushed to my roommates about the hot guy who was interested in plain old me. Three months into this semester and he is still talking to me despite everything I say.

"I'll catch you another time."

"I'll see you later."

I head back to my apartment on cloud nine. When I get back I flop back down on my bed and pick up my book. The irritation from the morning floods back and I find myself mentally yelling at the stupid characters. I read three pages and then let the book fall to my lap. I run out the apartment and once again slide into my chair just as the bell rings. Neal looks up from his desk and the sides of his eyes crinkle as he smiles. So handsome.

We sit in the middle of the auditorium and once again throughout the whole lecture Neal whispers comments about the lecture. I find myself burying my head in my arms to stifle my laughter. The lecture ends and I stand up to put my books in my bag.

"We have a test tomorrow, do you want to study over pizza?"

I hear the excuse why I can't and watch the smile vanish. He shoulders his backpack and heads out of the auditorium. I guess I will be spending the night reading—I can't believe it.

"Neal!"

He turns as I run up to him.

"Neal. I like you. I would love to have dinner with you."

"You like me?"

"Yes. I want to get to know you better."

He lets out a laugh. "This is awesome. I didn't know if I was bothering you or not."

"Never. Sorry I didn't tell you earlier."

"Can I kiss you?"

I step back my face flushing. "Um — maybe we should have a date first."

"Just checking."

"Feel free to ask again though."