Question: Compare two different adaptations/appropriations of the Iliad. In what ways do they rework the source text (Homer’s Iliad), and why?
- This is a comparative essay of 2000 words.
- I have attached a PDF of the primary text which is Homer’s Iliad.
- The assignment is to analyse 2 adaptations/apropriations of this original text and analyse how they modify and/or reinterpret the original text.
- The Silence of the Girls – by Pat Barker
- The Song of Achilles – by Madeline Miller
- An Iliad – by Lisa Peterson
Anwering the Question:
To help you answer the Question you may wish to focus on analysing one of the themes covered
such as:
- the ways in which female characters have been
rewritten; OR - how and why the characterisation of “the hero”
changes during the process of adaptation/appropriation; OR - the impact of changing perceptions of gender
- the impact of shifting representations of sex and
sexuality - how modern contexts influence adaptations e.g.
postcolonial texts
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Compare Modifications to Source Text: Analyse and compare how the two adaptations or appropriations differ from Homer’s “Iliad.” Look for changes in characters, plot elements, themes, settings, or any other aspects that have been reworked or altered in the adaptations.
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Explain the Reworking: For each adaptation, delve into the reasons behind the changes made to the source text. Consider factors such as cultural context, audience, artistic intentions, and the desire to highlight specific themes or messages. Why did the creators choose to modify the original material in these particular ways?
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Address Themes and Impact: Discuss the themes or messages that the adaptations emphasize or bring to the forefront. Consider how these themes might align with or differ from those in the original “Iliad.” Explain how the modifications contribute to the overall impact of the adaptation and whether they enhance or reshape the story’s meaning.
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Contextualise the Adaptations: Provide context for each adaptation. This could include information about the creators, the time periods in which they were produced, and any relevant cultural or historical influences that might have shaped the adaptations.
1.
Homeric darkness: patterns and manipulation of
death scenes in the ‘Iliad’ – Morrison
2.
Achilles’ last stand: institutionalising dissent
in homer’s “Iliad” – Barker
3.
The portrayal of women in the Iliad – Farron
4.
Character structure in homer’s Iliad – Donlan
5.
Recovered perspectives: gender, class, and
memory in pat barker’s writing – Kirk
6.
Greek heroines in modern dress – Smith
7.
Greek mythology and the study of the ancient Greek
oral story – Hansen
8.
Electra: ancient and modern aspects of the
reception of the tragic heroine – Bakogianni
9.
An insatiable market for minor characters: genre
in the contemporary literary marketplace – Rosen
10. Chapter
title: create your own mythology: youngsters for youngsters (and oldsters) in
mythological fan fiction – Marciniak
Referencing & Bibliography
- Ensure to incorporate and analyse quotes from the primary texts within the essay to support arguments.
- For in-text referencing, write the author’s
last name, year of publication and page number of quote. Example: (Knopf
2015: 167). This is for any articles or texts that are referenced. - For the Bibliography, split into 2 sections. List the primary texts at the top, and the secondary texts
below. - Primary Texts include the TWO chosen adaptations and Homer’s Iliad.
- Secondary Texts include any of the articles that are referenced.