Can Classics Get a Modern Makeover?
- D. M. Wright
- Dec 7, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 24
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EXPLORING THE ART OF
RETELLING TRADITIONAL TALES WITH A FRESH TWIST
Classic stories - from Shakespearean dramas to fairy tales - form the foundation of countless retellings. In a world bursting with creativity, authors are increasingly reimagining these age-old tales, breathing new life into their familiar plots. This post highlights how contemporary viewpoints can reshape our understanding of these classics, showcasing the beauty and significance of their reinterpretation.
THE VALUE OF RETELLING
Retelling classic stories enables authors to explore universal themes from unique perspectives. This renewed focus can shed light on modern issues often ignored in the original texts. For instance, Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' has gone through numerous retellings*, one notable example being 'Pride: A Novel' by Ibi Zoboi. This modern twist dives into themes of feminism and economic disparity, illustrating how societal expectations can still resonate 200 years later. By bringing these issues to the forefront, authors not only honour the original stories but also enhance their relevance for today’s readers.
*Check out Julia L. Miller's 'Crime and Punishment' for a comical take on Jane Austin's 'Pride and Prejudice'. https://julialmiller.net/
NOTABLE RETELLINGS
Many authors have mastered the art of breathing new life into classic tales. Consider Madeline Miller's 'Circe', which transforms a figure from Greek mythology into a multi-dimensional character grappling with her own constraints. Through 'Circe', readers gain insight into her struggles and desires, prompting a re-evaluation of her role within Greek mythology.
Another striking example is 'The Lunar Chronicles' by Marissa Meyer, a series that cleverly combines the tales of 'Cinderella', 'Little Red Riding Hood' and 'Snow White' with a futuristic sci-fi twist. Meyer introduces characters navigating a world filled with cyborgs and spacecraft, demonstrating how these timeless narratives can adapt to engage a new generation. The series sold over 1 million copies worldwide, a testament to its popularity and resonance.
The above mentioned are 'notable' works of recent times, but there's one notable writer who must be mentioned who rarely devised his own stories. With very few exceptions, the great bard himself - Shakespeare - did not invent the plots of his plays, instead preferring to adapt existing historical chronicles, popular novels, Italian tales, and older plays. While he was a master of transforming his sources, only a small handful of his works are considered to have plots not derived from established sources.
DIVERSIFYING PERSPECTIVES
Modern retellings present a thrilling opportunity to incorporate a range of voices and experiences. Authors from diverse cultural backgrounds are reinterpreting familiar tales to tackle themes of identity, race, and gender. A standout work is 'A Thousand Beginnings and Endings', an anthology that revisits Asian myths through the lenses of contemporary writers. This collection not only showcases rich cultural narratives but also highlights the significance of representation in literature.
This commitment to diversity enriches the literary landscape, allowing readers from various backgrounds to see themselves in stories that have historically been told from a limited viewpoint. By doing so, these retellings ensure that classic tales not only endure but flourish in our diverse world.
This reasoning is exactly why we see Americans take on the stories of other countries and insert themselves into those narratives on the big screen; retelling old stories is a means for creating and re-creating a social identity for those of whom were not the original audience. Think almost every Disney film. Think 'Seven Years in Tibet'. Think 'The Last Samurai'. Think every television reimagining they'd bought the rights to from another country ('The Office', 'The IT Crowd', 'Being Human', etc... etc...)
HOW RETELLINGS INFLUENCE OUR UNDERSTANDING
Modern adaptations challenge readers’ perceptions of classic stories, prompting deeper engagement with the themes and morals. For example, when contemporary writers revisit Hans Christian Andersen’s 'The Little Mermaid', they often introduce feminist interpretations that critique notions of agency, sacrifice and love. These conversations foster a richer appreciation of classic literature and its influence on societal beliefs.
Check out D. M. Wright's 'The Magpie', an Australian military take on Anton Chekhov's 'The Seagull'.
THE EVOLUTION OF STORYTELLING
Engaging in the art of retelling classic stories is not merely about rephrasing familiar plots; it’s about revitalising narratives to reflect modern values and ideas. In a society increasingly valuing diverse perspectives, these adaptations play a crucial role. Whether through feminist interpretations, masculine interpretations, imaginative settings or completely changing the location to another country, modern retellings remind us that stories are living entities that evolve alongside us.
The next time you pick up a book that reinterprets a classic tale, remember: you are not merely entering a new story; you are joining a conversation that connects generations and celebrates the endurance of storytelling in all its forms.
Happy reading!
It's a great subject for a post. Retellings remind us of the richness of the originals, and often those original stories still resonate strongly with readers. I recently enjoyed Barbara Kingsolver's "Demon Copperhead" - a new take on David Copperfield. It sheds a whole new light on Dickens' work.