Step 1: Selecting Your Text

I selected Amanda Barker from Spoon River Anthology because I felt I could use it to create awareness for martial rape. The Barker's tale exposes us to the darker side of martial expectations. Henry expected Amanda to obey and honor his right for a child, while Amanda expected him to love her enough to value her life.

Amanda Barker

Henry got me with child,
Knowing that I could not bring forth life
Without losing my own.
In my youth therefore I entered the portals of dust.
Traveler, it is believed in the village where I lived
That Henry loved me with a husband's love,
But I proclaim from the dust
That he slew me to gratify his hatred.

 

Step 2: Drafting Your Screenplay

Love Honor Obey

 

Step 3: Writing Your Logline

Amanda's refusal to conceive a child who will end her life, forces Henry to plot her demise