retellings science fiction

Retellings in science fiction are basically new versions of existing stories but with a science - fiction twist. They're popular because they combine the familiarity of well - known tales with the exciting, futuristic, or otherworldly elements of sci - fi. For example, a retelling of 'Romeo and Juliet' set on a different planet can attract both Shakespeare fans and sci - fi enthusiasts.

Writers often start by choosing a story to retell. Then they think about how to add sci - fi elements. For example, they might change the setting to a far - off planet or a future Earth. They also consider how the characters' motives and relationships will be affected by the new sci - fi context.

There are similarities, but also differences. On one hand, both fairy tale retellings and fan fiction are forms of creative reinterpretation. However, fairy tale retellings often have a long - standing tradition and can sometimes be considered a legitimate form of literary adaptation. For instance, many classic authors have retold fairy tales in different ways. But fan fiction is more of a grassroots, often unregulated form of writing based on a love for a particular fictional work. Still, the basic idea of taking something that already exists and making it new is common to both, so in some respects, fairy tale retellings can be considered a type of fan fiction.

Well, these agents usually focus on adding depth to the characters, exploring different themes, or even twisting the endings. They aim to give the old tales a modern makeover while still retaining some of the original charm.

One popular example is 'Starcrossed' by Josephine Angelini, which reimagines the story of 'Romeo and Juliet' in a modern and fantastical setting. Another is 'A Thousand Acres' by Jane Smiley, a retelling of 'King Lear' from a female - centered perspective. There's also 'Macbeth' inspired 'Lady Macbeth's Daughter' by Lisa Klein.

Well, first of all, they update the stories to fit contemporary values. Shakespearean plays were written in a different era with different social norms. Retellings in young adult fiction can make the stories more inclusive. For instance, in a retelling of 'The Merchant of Venice', the anti - Semitism might be addressed in a more modern and sensitive way. Also, the addition of elements like magic or science - fiction in some retellings makes them more exciting for modern audiences who are used to these kinds of genres. And the characters are often made more accessible, with their motives and actions being more in line with what modern young people can empathize with.

Well, 'The Penelopiad' is a modern retelling that focuses on Penelope from 'The Odyssey'. It gives her a voice and tells the story from her point of view. Also, there are retellings like 'A Thousand Acres' which is based on 'King Lear' but set in a modern - day rural context. It explores family dynamics and power struggles in a new way.

Well, retellings can preserve the essence of classic novels in different forms. For instance, a graphic novel retelling can visually represent the story in a unique way, appealing to visual learners. It also allows for cultural adaptation. A classic novel from one culture can be retold in the context of another culture, adding new layers of meaning. This cross - cultural adaptation can foster a better understanding between different cultures and also give a new lease on life to the classic story.

Some people think so because both involve taking pre - existing stories. Fairy tales are well - known stories, and when you retell them, you're building on what's already there, just like fan fiction builds on an existing fictional world.

One popular retelling is 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies'. It combines the classic story of 'Pride and Prejudice' with elements of horror and zombies, which gives a very different and exciting take on the original. Another is 'Wide Sargasso Sea', which is a retelling of 'Jane Eyre' from the perspective of Bertha Mason, the 'mad' woman in the attic. It gives a more in - depth look at a character who was somewhat marginalized in the original novel.