Retelling
Retelling in the context of literary studies refers to works that are significantly based on other works, but present the story in a somewhat different way from its predecessor.[1][2]
The concept of retelling in literature is similar to that of a remake (or reimagining, as well as reboot) in the film, movie and video game industry.[3]
Retelling stories can also imply the simpler concept of abridgement, and in this context is used in education studies.[4]
In literature
[edit]Retelling in literature involves a purposeful remaking of a story so that it is similar but not identical its predecessor.[1][2] The concept of retelling stories has been discussed by literary scholars as early as in the 10th century.[2]
Retelling is common in cases of works that have significant cultural impact, such as Greek myths, Sanskrit epics or Arthurian legends, as well as religious texts such as the Bible.[2][5][6][7] It is also common in children's literature, fairy tales and folklore stories.[6] Fan fiction is often based on retelling stories.[8]
It is also the tool used to transform children's literature into fantasy literature, removing simplified fairy tale elements but leaving magic and other supernatural aspects.[5] Many works of urban fantasy are retellings, through portraying classic myths, legends or fairy tales in the modern setting.[5]
According to Polish fantasy writer Andrzej Sapkowski a properly retold story should convince the reader to see the new version as more correct.[1][5]
Examples of retellings include:
- The Firebrand - a 1987 novel by Marion Zimmer Bradley retelling the Greek myth of Cassandra and the -Trojan War[5]
- Possession: A Romance- a 1990 novel by A. S. Byatt retelling the tales of Snow White and Melusine[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Lubawa, Katarzyna (2021-12-13). "Rekonstrukcja historii Tristana i Izoldy w „Maladie" Andrzeja Sapkowskiego w kontekście postmodernistycznych tendencji literatury fantasy". Bibliotekarz Podlaski (in Polish). 52 (3): 141–152. doi:10.36770/bp.627. ISSN 2544-8900.
- ^ a b c d Hawley, Nell Shapiro (2021-07-23). "Literature in Layers: An Early Theory of Retelling the Sanskrit Epics". Journal of South Asian Intellectual History. 3 (1): 1–33. doi:10.1163/25425552-12340021. ISSN 2542-5544.
- ^ Koski, Genevieve (2015-09-16). "Reboots, remakes, and reimaginings: a guide to confusing Hollywood terminology". Vox. Retrieved 2024-11-15.
- ^ Morrow, Lesley Mandel (1985). "Reading and Retelling Stories: Strategies for Emergent Readers". The Reading Teacher. 38 (9): 870–875. ISSN 0034-0561.
- ^ a b c d e f Sapkowski, Andrzej (2001). Rękopis znaleziony w smoczej jaskini: kompendium wiedzy o literaturze fantasy (in Polish). superNOWA. pp. 39–40. ISBN 978-83-7054-147-7.
- ^ a b Stephens, John (2009), Grenby, M. O.; Immel, Andrea (eds.), "Retelling stories across time and cultures", The Cambridge companion to children's literature, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (CUP), pp. 91–107, ISBN 978-0-521-86819-8, retrieved 2024-11-15
- ^ "Retellings — The Bible in Literature, Music, Art and Film: Reprinted from Biblical Interpretation Volume 15,4-5 (ISBN 9789004165724)", Retellings — The Bible in Literature, Music, Art and Film, Brill, 2007-11-27, ISBN 978-90-474-4012-3, retrieved 2024-11-15
- ^ Richardson, Megan, and David Tan. "The Art of Retelling: Harry Potter and Copyright in a Fan-Literature Era." MALR 14, no. 1 (2009): 31.