An Appeal of Adaptation in Postmodern Age: A Brief Introduction of Linda Hutcheon's "A Theory of Adaptation"

Abstract

Storytelling is the process of sharing ideas and teachings across cultures. Common themes can be spread through cultural traditions as showing (theatre, film, television) and telling (novels, books, radio). These stories and lessons have been repeated again and again, yet at present, they have found a place in our culture. This adjustment becomes possible only because of the process of adaptation. Adaptation is not new; authors, artists, architects, playwrights, composers, choreographers, and designers have been adapting material since the beginning of civilizations. However, this does not mean this old practice is unable to provide new information to the modern generation. There occur some questions surrounding adaptations, how does an adaptation become topical in current circumstances? Which form is appropriate to adapt to literature? Are there some materials that are not adaptable? What is the need of adaptation? The purpose of this article is to throw light on the hidden corners of the book ‘A Theory of Adaptation,’ and summarise the content in brief to provide a reliable introduction of adaptation. I also want to examine the importance of adaptation, how it appeals to new era and can make place in digital world of entertainment.