How and why texts are changed to create new texts?

Essay: How and why are texts changed to create new texts?


Popularity amongst the “classic” texts has led to a trend in which these texts are changed, commonly for a new context. Among the highly extensive list of the adapted and appropriated is Jane Austen in Donna Bowman’s 2009 novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and Clueless, the film appropriation of Austen’s Emma. Other renowned authors such as Tolkien and Shakespeare, whose works are often highly valued in western culture, also make the list.

Whether simply a product of their popularity or the result of a deeper motive, works such as Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, turn into Soddit and Bored of the Rings, appealing to a whole new generation of readers. Similarly, popular playwright, William Shakespeare’s works have become films such as 10 Things I Hate About You - an appropriation of the highly controversial The Taming of the Shrew, - and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps coincidently, the modern title of The Taming of the Shrew exhibits a similar rhythm to that of the Shakespearean play, to the point of rhyming.

The way in which these texts change can be marginal or many. In some cases, the entire social situation is altered, with examples including Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet, Austen’s Emma and possibly the very recent Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, all of which take traditional stories and place them in the context of modern American society, specifically in relation to youth and/or high school. In other occasions, (predominantly) famous texts are tweaked or altered, presenting the same story from a new perspective. Soddit and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies are specific examples of this scenario. The form of the text is also subject to change, with play or novel to film a common occurrence.

It may never be clear precisely why such texts evolve for new interpretations and contexts, however there are numerous possible answers. As previously suggested, it may be a direct result of the popularity of the original stories, both during and after the time in which they were published. In this instance, the purpose may be to sustain this popularity and allow future generations to appreciate the text either in its original or adapted form. This suggestion is possible, however simplistic. It offers a realistic and generally effective reason for the changes of any magnitude made to texts of the past.

Money is a force which drives the world and perhaps also the survival of literature. With relation to the popularity of a text, one may see a money-making opportunity. For example, if a text is deeply appreciated by a society, an appropriation or adaptation of said text may therefore be seen as an prime opportunity to make money from the level of appreciation for the original. Furthermore, either received well or poorly by those who appreciate the original, the appropriation gains publicity for either (or both) of the reasons. One specific example is the recent film adaptation of the Twilight novel by Stephenie Meyer, where in this instance, the novel made the film famous while the film consequently made the book more popular. Since the response to the Twilight series (and texts in general) is so varied, the discussion and debate over its faults and triumphs also lead to heightened attention and therefore fits the description of a successful money-making opportunity.

Some critics claim that adaptations and appropriations of texts is unoriginal and plagiarism. If this is true, then all writers throughout time are plagiarisers as their ideas come from the experiences and influences present in their lives or in those of the people around them. Conversely, it may be argued that changing the texts to suit a new audience or purpose takes a certain degree of originality and creativity. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is an example of a modern text which could be viewed from either side of the argument; the use of Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice as the basis of the story could be considered plagiarism, while simultaneously the addition of zombies could be considered a highly inventive and original idea that places the text on a new course.

The criticism of unoriginality can be supported by the theory which defines literature of having only seven main plots. This theory involves the conflict of a human and either one or more of the following: nature, human, the environment, machines or technology, the supernatural, self or finally, the concept of God or Religion. Hypothetically, this could mean that all stories are one of those listed above and that no work is fundamentally original.

Altering texts may also be a way in which to challenge the themes or values presented in the text or are present in a society. This links into the relevance of the themes and values within texts to new societies (discussed later). The Taming of the Shrew, for example, can be interpreted as a sexist play in its original form, however another version of the play such as the film, 1o Things I Hate About You, this interpretation may not be suggested. The reason for the new version may be to evoke different interpretations to the original Shakespeare play, primarily from a different audience. The film also presents the original text in a more romantic way, removing the violence between Kat and Patrick (Katherina and Petruchio) which is present in the play. Similarly, the intended reaction of texts such as Soddit and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is humorous, thus presenting the familiar stories in the entirely new perspective of comedy.

New or different representations of texts could too be an acknowledgement of the continuity of the themes or values present in a text. Textual themes that possess the ability to transcend time such as love and hate, good and evil and power and authority are recognised in their modern manifestations. It is possible that this is a reason for the changing of texts with the intent of creating a fresh text.

There are, however many more possibilities and motives behind the telling and retelling of texts. The diversity of perspectives which exist in reading, viewing, analysing and appreciating these texts make evident the power of they possess and is one of the definite reasons behind reconstruction and renovating texts, whether it be intentional or otherwise.
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