Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes parallel literature?
Which of the following best describes parallel literature?
- The creation of modern or contemporary works that parody classical works. (correct)
- A strict adherence to classical literary structures and themes without deviation.
- The analysis and critique of existing literary theories.
- Literary works that avoid any reference to established narratives.
Parallel literature, particularly in folktales, often explores variations of a central story. What is a common way these variations are presented?
Parallel literature, particularly in folktales, often explores variations of a central story. What is a common way these variations are presented?
- Focusing solely on moral lessons without changing narrative elements.
- Removing all supernatural or fantastical elements from the original narrative.
- Maintaining identical settings and timelines to the original story.
- Exhibiting different settings and times while preserving the story's core elements. (correct)
How do parallel novels or 'reimagined classics' typically use existing literary works?
How do parallel novels or 'reimagined classics' typically use existing literary works?
- By 'borrowing' a character, mirroring an 'old' plot, or blending characters from multiple works. (correct)
- By focusing solely on the historical context of the original author's life.
- By directly translating the original work into a different language.
- By completely disregarding the original work's characters and plot.
In what way does Kirill Eskov's 'The Last Ringbearer' serve as an example of parallel literature?
In what way does Kirill Eskov's 'The Last Ringbearer' serve as an example of parallel literature?
What is a key characteristic of folk literature that distinguishes it from other forms of literature?
What is a key characteristic of folk literature that distinguishes it from other forms of literature?
How did folk literature contribute to people's understanding of the world around them after the advent of written language?
How did folk literature contribute to people's understanding of the world around them after the advent of written language?
What is the defining characteristic of detective or mystery fiction?
What is the defining characteristic of detective or mystery fiction?
Which element is a common theme explored in science fiction?
Which element is a common theme explored in science fiction?
What parameters must be satisfied for a novel to be considered detective fiction?
What parameters must be satisfied for a novel to be considered detective fiction?
In what way does parallel literature reflect or engage with societal norms and expectations?
In what way does parallel literature reflect or engage with societal norms and expectations?
What role do minor characters from well-known novels often play in parallel novels or 'reimagined classics'?
What role do minor characters from well-known novels often play in parallel novels or 'reimagined classics'?
How does Jo Baker's 'Longbourn' (2013) relate to Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'?
How does Jo Baker's 'Longbourn' (2013) relate to Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'?
In what way does Alice Randall's 'The Wind Done Gone' (2001) serve as an example of parallel literature?
In what way does Alice Randall's 'The Wind Done Gone' (2001) serve as an example of parallel literature?
What is a common structural element of folk literature that assists in oral transmission and memorization?
What is a common structural element of folk literature that assists in oral transmission and memorization?
How does the setting typically function in science fiction, and what themes does it often explore?
How does the setting typically function in science fiction, and what themes does it often explore?
How does the detective in detective fiction typically reveal the mystery's solution?
How does the detective in detective fiction typically reveal the mystery's solution?
What is the significance of 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' in the context of parallel literature?
What is the significance of 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' in the context of parallel literature?
Why is the preservation of oral traditions important in the study of folk literature?
Why is the preservation of oral traditions important in the study of folk literature?
How do parallel novels or 'reimagined classics' affect a reader's reception and understanding of the original work?
How do parallel novels or 'reimagined classics' affect a reader's reception and understanding of the original work?
What is the primary appeal of science fiction as a genre?
What is the primary appeal of science fiction as a genre?
Flashcards
Parallel Literature
Parallel Literature
Modern texts that parody classical works.
Parallel Novels
Parallel Novels
Works of fiction that borrow characters, mirror plots, or blend characters from other books.
Folk Literature
Folk Literature
Preserves oral traditions with formulaic patterns to aid memorization.
Detective/Mystery Stories
Detective/Mystery Stories
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Science Fiction
Science Fiction
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Wild Wood
Wild Wood
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The Last Ringbearer
The Last Ringbearer
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Study Notes
- Parallel literature involves creating modern texts that parody classical works.
- Examples of parallel literature include Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which parallels Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
- Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations is paralleled by Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs.
Characteristics of Parallel Literature
- Parallel literature depicts parallel worlds in folktales, providing different versions of the same story with varied settings and times.
- It can depict imaginary futuristic worlds, and can also depict worlds of mystery as in detective and crime fiction.
- Parallel novels, or "reimagined classics," borrow a character, mirror an old plot, or blend characters from different books.
- These stories expand on well-known novels by focusing on a minor character and elevating them to the main character.
- Revised stories may share the same setting, time frame, and even characters as the original work.
Examples of Parallel Literature
- Jan Needle’s Wild Wood (1981) parallels The Wind in the Willows from the perspective of the stoats and weasels.
- Kirill Eskov’s The Last Ringbearer (1999) parallels The Lord of the Rings, portraying the Mordorians as the heroes.
- Alice Randall’s The Wind Done Gone (2001) parallels Gone with the Wind.
- Geraldine Brooks’s March (2005) parallels Little Women (1868).
- Jo Baker’s Longbourn (2013) parallels Pride and Prejudice.
Folk Literature
- Folk literature preserves oral traditions and comes in various forms with formulaic and predictable structures to aid memorization.
- With written language, folk literature helped people understand their relationship with their environment and others.
Detective/Mystery Stories
- A narrative is detective fiction if it involves solving a mystery.
- The detective explains how the crime was committed, who committed it, and the motive.
Science Fiction
- Science fiction is speculative fiction with imagined elements not in the real world.
- Science fiction themes include time travel, space travel, future settings, and the consequences of technological and scientific advances.
Course Outline Topics
- Introduction to Parallel Literature
- Folktales, including multiple versions of Cinderella
- Parallel Novels
- Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
- Science Fiction Characteristics
- The Time Machine
- Detective/Mystery/Crime Fiction
- Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
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