Several of the novels we have read this semester have been adapted into other forms – film, TV series, play, musical, graphic novel, etc . Write a comparative review essay which either a) looks at two different adaptations of the same novel or b) looks at adaptations of two different novels. How do the creators approach the task of adapting the novel(s)? Which elements are preserved and which are altered? What do you think, as a critic, about how the adaptations work as adaptations – how do they illuminate interesting or new aspects of the originals, and how do they take the characters and ideas of the novel(s) in their own direction? This can include assessment – what they get right, what they get wrong – but it should focus more on analysis than judgment. You should be sure to cite specific evidence from both book(s) and adaptations to support your claims.
Note about sources: This essay should compare either two adaptations of one single novel, or
one adaptation (each) of two different novels. You should also incorporate and cite at least three other sources, which can include other critics’ reviews of the adaptations you are talking about.
Ideas for adaptations (there may be others I have missed!):
Orlando film directed by Sally Potter, 1996 ( available online through NYU Library); Orlando: My Political Biography film directed by Paul Preciado, 2023 (streaming on Apple+); Orlando play by Sarah Ruhl, 2010, directed by Will Davis at Signature Theater 2024
Kindred graphic novel by Damion Duffy and John Jennings, 2017 (available on Amazon or online through NYU Library); Kindred TV series, developed by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, 2022 (streaming on Hulu)
Ragtime film directed by Milos Forman, 1981 (streaming on Apple+); Ragtime musical by Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens, and Terrence McNally, 1998 (no video recording but you can find the full soundtrack on Apple Music or other platforms, as well various clips, a low quality bootleg, and many community theater productions on YouTube)
