From Demon Copperhead to Bridget Jones: How Modern Authors Breathe New Life into Timeless Tales

“Nothing is new under the sun. Even the thing of which we say, “See, this is new!” has already existed in the ages that proceeded us.” (From Vanities of vanities/Ecclesiastes 1. “All is weariness”)

Introduction – Define

Literary reimagining also known as retellings or adaptations, refer to works of literature that take an existing story, character, or narrative framework and recreate it in a new context, often with significant changes. These new versions typically:

• Update the setting or time period
• Shift the perspective to a different character
• Explore themes from a new angle

Address contemporary issues through the lens of a familiar story

Key aspects:

• Recognizable elements from the source material
• Significant creative departures from the original
• Often, a dialogue between the new work and its predecessor
• Potential for social commentary or critique through the juxtaposition of old and new
• Examples we discussed earlier include “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver (reimagining “David Copperfield”) and “Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys (reimagining aspects of “Jane Eyre”).

Literary reimagining’s allow authors to engage with literary traditions while bringing fresh perspectives to familiar stories. They can serve as a bridge between classic literature and contemporary readers, often highlighting how certain themes remain relevant across different time periods and cultures.

Other reasons authors might choose this approach:

• Updating themes for contemporary audiences
• Exploring different perspectives
• Commenting on social issues through a familiar narrative framework

Examples:  

1. “On Beauty” by Zadie Smith (2005) – inspired by “Howards End” by E.M. Forster
2. “Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys (1966) – prequel to “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
3. “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding (1996) – modern take on “Pride and Prejudice”
4. “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham (1998) – inspired by “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf
5. And “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) – reimagining of “David Copperfield”

 

“On Beauty” by Zadie Smith (2005) Smith’s novel is a modern retelling of E.M. Forster’s “Howards End.” Set in a fictional New England college town, it explores themes of race, class, and cultural differences through the lens of two competing families. While Forster’s novel examined class divisions in Edwardian England, Smith’s reimagining addresses multiculturalism and academic politics in contemporary America.

 

“Wide Sargasso Sea” by Jean Rhys (1966) This novel serves as both a prequel and a response to Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre.” Rhys gives voice to Bertha Mason, the “madwoman in the attic” from “Jane Eyre,” exploring her backstory in the post-colonial Caribbean. The novel critiques the colonial mindset present in Brontë’s work and provides a nuanced look at race and gender in the 19th century

 

 

“Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding (1996) Fielding’s novel is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” It follows the life of Bridget Jones, a 30-something single woman in London, mirroring Elizabeth Bennet’s journey but in a modern context. The novel humorously explores themes of self-improvement, romance, and societal expectations for women in the late 20th century.

 

 

“The Hours” by Michael Cunningham (1998) Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” Cunningham’s novel interweaves three narratives: Woolf writing “Mrs. Dalloway,” a 1950s housewife reading it, and a modern-day woman planning a party. The novel explores themes of mental health, sexuality, and the impact of literature across generations, echoing and expanding upon Woolf’s original work.

 

 

 

“Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) Kingsolver’s novel reimagines Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield” in the contemporary Appalachian setting. The protagonist, nicknamed Demon Copperhead, faces challenges similar to those of David Copperfield but in the context of rural poverty and the opioid crisis. Kingsolver maintains the bildungsroman structure while addressing pressing social issues of 21st century America.

 

Discussion Questions:

How do these reimagining’s differ from their source material? These reimagining’s differ primarily in their settings, time periods, and specific social contexts. They often update the themes to reflect contemporary issues while maintaining the core narrative structure or character dynamics of the original works. For example, “Demon Copperhead” tackles modern issues like the opioid crisis, while “David Copperfield” dealt with industrialization and child labor in Victorian England.

What new perspectives or themes do they introduce? These reimagining’s often introduce perspectives that were marginalized or absent in the original works. “Wide Sargasso Sea” gives voice to a character who was othered in “Jane Eyre,” while “On Beauty” explores multiculturalism and academic politics. They also tend to engage more explicitly with issues of race, gender, and sexuality, reflecting evolving societal awareness and concerns.

How do they engage with contemporary issues through the lens of classic narratives? By using familiar narrative structures and character types, these reimagining’s create a bridge between classic literature and contemporary issues. This approach allows authors to comment on current social problems while benefiting from the resonance of well-known stories. For instance, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” uses the romance plot of “Pride and Prejudice” to explore modern dating and women’s roles in society.

Critical Reception and Literary Debate

• Positive views:
  • Breathes new life into classic stories
  • Introduces classic narratives to new audiences
  • Allows for exploration of underrepresented perspectives

• Criticisms:
  • Potential lack of originality
  • Risk of diminishing the original work
  • Challenges in balancing homage with innovation

 NOTE: Largely, this is a matter of ongoing debate in literary circles.

Reimagining’s can enhance the canon by:

• Introducing classic narratives to new audiences
• Providing fresh perspectives on timeless themes
• Encouraging critical engagement with canonical texts

However, some argue they detract from the canon by:

• Potentially overshadowing the original works
• Risking oversimplification of complex narratives
• Blurring the line between homage and derivative work

Ultimately, well-executed reimagining’s often enrich the literary landscape by creating a dialogue between past and present, encouraging readers to revisit and reinterpret classic works.

Discussion Question:

How do you feel about the concept of literary reimagining’s? Does it appeal to you as a writer? Why or why not?

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