Picture this: you’re sitting in an English class and your professor announces to the class that you’ll be reading and interpreting a novel of classic literature. It could be The Great Gatsby, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, or so many more. The quiet sense of agony in regards to the approaching project dances through the students minds. Alas, they’ll do it anyway, and in the pages they find stories that withstand the tests of time. Simplistic storylines painted in depths of theme and imagery. Figurative language plays hide and seek within paragraphs, only revealing itself to those with eyes glazed in true narrative appreciation. Narratives that, despite the time difference, still hold relevance in today’s climate. Throughout these daunting assignments, I feel there’s been almost a growing distaste towards classic literature because of the enforced and graded nature they hold. What if it didn’t have to be that way, though? What if there was a way to revive classic literature through modern practices to remind everyone why they grew to be remembered in the ways they are in the first place?

Films. A single word that can tie the past with the present and can, through many creative collaborations, bring viewers back into the world of what life was like when art was an untouchable craft of highest, yet sometimes lowest, regard. There’s obviously a reason these works of literature hold such strong popularity, and it’s not just because of our ninth grade English class homework! Before there were so many accessories to creative processes such as technology, social media influences, and easy access to publications no matter who or where you are, there was love and tragedy and imagination. At the heart of it all, those still remain the three key components we see in most, if not all, media forms. A human’s brain may seem complex, but our levels of enjoyment can only be enhanced on the basis of what we once had. With that, some people have a taste for modern practices, but some may still prefer the quiet simplicity of the past.

“Just because my dreams are different does not mean they are unimportant.” A quote from the 2019 adaptation of Little Women from Greta Gerwig, a line that holds so much power and, in this case, is meant to represent both the positive and negative feedback that current reimaginings receive. Just because a film perhaps doesn’t land with audiences as directors and creators intended does not mean that their work deserves to be disregarded. Opinions are called opinions for a reason, and with today’s easy access to the internet, we’re lucky to have consistent forums to express them. Little Women specifically, for example, is one of my most favorite films ever and an adaptation of a book I have read! From casting to set design, story flow and emotion, all wrapped up in a little bow tied by the great Greta Gerwig, also known as my personal favorite director. On the contrary, another example of how audiences receive these present day retellings would be the film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. A film from director Emerald Fennell, featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Going in blind to the film, I thought the details embellished within were beautiful. I thought the performances were great and the cinematography enchanting. However, I’d heard whispers of unfavorable opinions about the screen adaptation compared to the novel. Naturally, I immediately purchased the text. Fair opinions cannot be created unless there is a genuine understanding of both forms of media, so I will not say that I disliked the film, but I will say that before reading the novel, I presume the film will work better as a standalone. Of course, not every person thinks like this (immediately wanting to immerse oneself in both forms), but the idea that a modern era media form is influencing some to go back and remember classic literature and take a break from the brain fry of screen media to remember what physical art is like is surely something worth appreciating. 

I say these things under the opinion that classic literature should still be appreciated in its true forms, but I think bringing film into the picture to catch the attention of potentially new story consumers is something to be thankful for. We are actively getting new chances to remember the past in ways that make us forget our present woes. No grades attached or forceful close readings, just genuine audience enjoyment and interaction. Conversations grow prominent again and discussion boards open up for opinions both positive and negative. Frankenstein was nominated, and won, several Oscars in this year’s ceremony: an adaptation for a novel that came out 94 years ago! The new Sense and Sensibility is set to have its theatrical release next October! The overarching win of it all? We’re having genuine conversations about the classics again. 

Edited and Reviewed by Clarence Clark