Novel Compared to Movie Adaptation Essay Example for Free

Novel Compared to Movie Adaptation Essay Film adaptation or movie adaptation has been a widespread practice in cinematic tradition around the world. Majority of such adaptations are made from fictions, primarily novels. Some of the other popular sources include autobiography, plays, scriptures and comic books. When a novel is adapted for movies, there are certain techniques deployed to give it a cinematic appeal. Inventing new characters and altering scenes fall into the category of primary adaptation techniques. Sometimes it is also noticed that an insignificant character in the novel is given a prominent part to play in the film. Novels with exteriority and physically dynamic structures are most commonly adapted for filming. Thus, modern novels with their intricate literary devices (such as stream-of-consciousness, internal monologues, etc. ) are difficult to make fit for movies. While changes are mandatory due to time constraints and nature of the medium, extreme care must be taken so that the original essence of the novel is not compromised. However, one school of thought argues that the director should treat the film separately from the novel as both are completely different works of art. Accurate arrangement of a novel at the time of filming is virtually impossible since both speak different literary languages. Contrary to this perspective, another school of thought steadfastly believes that the film must retain either the thematic or the aesthetic sense of its source. Changes should only be made wherever necessary. This doctrine lays more emphasis on the faithful reproduction of the source content. This article is going to make a comparative analysis between Fannie Hurst’s Imitation of Life and its cinematic adaptation of the same title directed by Douglas Sirk. One of the cardinal aspects of movie adaptation that every director must keep in mind involves the risk of taking the viewers away from the fiction: â€Å"It has been argued that these displays of technique and artifice make it difficult to respond affectively to art since they create distance between the fiction and the viewer. † (Sirk et al. 207) Cinema is quintessentially a self-reflexive form of art having a vast scope of expression. This freedom, if used discreetly and masterfully, may make an ordinary source look splendid. The novel Imitation of Life focuses not just on the crude nature of racism in America in the beginning of the twentieth century, but also, and perhaps on a more serious note, holds in view the limitations of the new women. Peola, one of the main female characters in the novel, represents the tragic predicament of being â€Å"neither black nor white yet both†. (Hurst et al. xxv) Her persistent struggle to live without black identity makes her suffer from the inconsolable loss of her mother. At the same time, Bea also gets entangled between career, romance and motherhood. She has to give up love and care for her daughter Jessie to pursue her career. The two sets of mother-daughter relationships portrayed in the novel, Bea-Jessie and Delilah-Peola, imply a subtle message which Hurst seeks to convey in the novel: a woman can’t â€Å"have it all†. (Hurst et al. xxv) The movie by Douglas Sirk does not deviate from the main plot of the novel to a great extent. Characters and conclusions in both cases are same, but the background is changed in the movie to suit the nature of time it depicted. It might be noted that the novel was written in 1933 whereas the movie was released in 1959. The identities of Lora and Annie as widowed single mothers are kept intact in the sense that Bea and Delilah are also shown as widowed single mothers in Hurst’s novel Imitation of Life. The cinematic counterparts of Jessie and Peola are Suzie and Sarah respectively. Lora’s fiance Steve is an adaptation of the character of Frank Flake in Imitation of Life. The movie Imitation of Life, as observed by Andrew Sarris in Film Culture, is characterized by an apparent notion of impossibility which Sarah wants to achieve – white skin. (Handzo 1997) If one attempts to make a comparative analysis between the movie and the novel, the element that comes to the fore is the introductory part. Sirk Douglas does without the elaborateness of Fannie Hurst in narrating the backdrop of Lora’s previous life when she was married. In the beginning of the novel, Bea is shown as a spinster who marries Benjamin Pullman. The subsequent chains of events that lead to Bea’s struggle for survival with an infant daughter are excluded from the movie. It opens with Lora’s soaring ambition of becoming a Broadway star – a curtain raiser which is followed by three social scenes the filmmaker conjures: â€Å"women and work, race relations, star mythology†. (Sirk et al. 27) In this sense, the movie mirrors the content of the novel in a threefold manner. To quote Sirk, â€Å"The mirror is the imitation of life. What is interesting about a mirror is that it does not show yourself as you are, it shows you your own opposite. † (Sirk et al. 3) As far as cinematic approach is concerned, the abrupt opening may be attributed to time constraints as well. However, the movie diverts from the novel in one critical aspect. While Bea pursues a successful career of businesswoman, Lora takes a different course altogether. Unlike the world of literature, the world of showbiz uniquely demands dynamism of action and hence, the characterization is justified per se. Another argument that can be cited with regards to the altered career path of the main protagonist of the movie is the shifting social climate in the times it was released. It was difficult for the filmmaker to envision his heroine as the owner of pancake restaurants. Moreover, during that phase many Afro-American actors were striving to put behind the stereotyped roles of household attendants. So changes in the storyline are especially reflected in the characterization of Annie. In addition to being a motherly figure of affection and care, she is also the source of wisdom in Lora’s household. (Richard 2008) Both the novel and the film adaptation share a striking resemblance in themes of romance. At the end of the novel, a triangular love develops between Bea, Flake and Jessie. Similarly, the movie also projects similar storyline where Suzie in her teenage is enamored by Steve who is Lora’s fiance. This modernist woman’s picture has been a source of much controversy in both the novel and the movie. It has given rise to a lot of feminist speculations regarding the ordeals faced by single working mothers in male dominant societies. The melodramatic imagination of the filmmaker goes beyond the confines of the novel. The cinematic experience of Imitation of Life presents a spectrum of diverse interpretations which are not fully realized in the novel. It can be stated without an iota of doubt that the freedom of expression in any moving medium is utilized to its fullest potential by the director, all within the permissive limits of the reel world. Works cited Hurst, Fannie, and Daniel Itzkovitz. Imitation of Life. Durham: Duke University Press, 2004. Sirk, Douglas, and Lucy Fischer. Imitation of Life: Douglas Sirk, Director. Piscataway: Rutgers University Press, 1991. Handzo, Stephen. â€Å"Intimations of Lifelessness. † bright lights film journal 18 (1997) Richard, Cicely A. â€Å"Film Analysis: Imitation of Life. † suite101. com. May 26, 2008. 7 March 2009 http://classic-film-dramas. suite101. com/article. cfm/film_analysis_imitation_of_life

Nora Helmer in Ibsens A Doll House Essay -- A Doll’s House Essays

In 1879, Henrik Ibsen published the play A Dolls House. However, to much of his displeasure the portrayal of the third act was considered erroneous to critics and audiences of that time frame. This controversy centered on the play’s conclusion in Nora's decision to leave her marriage and abandon her children. Critics labeled this decision appalling and unrealistic, since at that time in history no true woman would ever make such a choice. This uproar forced Ibsen to write a second ending where Nora instead decides that the children need her more than she needs her freedom. Thus, leaving critics and audiences contently satisfied. Since then, though times have changed and ideas and beliefs of the past have been altered, maybe the critics had it right about Nora’s departure. Perhaps Ibsen’s original ending is better left unsaid. Therefore, other than the alternative ending that Ibsen produced, how might the character of Nora deal with the situation at hand differently, based on what can be determined about her from the text? For starters, how about confronting the title of the story? Just who is the Doll? Many may claim that the doll is automatically Nora, for the reasons that she has been molded by her father and then toyed around with by her husband. To those individuals, Nora may seem like she is the victim, the poor little girl who can not comprehend who she is, the sweet â€Å"sky-lark† who had to leave her family for the findings of her true inner being†¦Or on a different note, Nora is the master and the controller of all that is functioning in the Helmer household. Although her husband, Torvald, may refer to her as a sky-lark, squirrel, or singing bird, it can be viewed in the text that Nora does not object to these remarks but r... ...a man who loves her and abandoning her children. Point in taking: Nora served no sense of accomplishment and only declared her egotism in a single selfish act. In the end, Nora’s greatest strength became her greatest weakness and it lead to her vindicated defeat. If only Nora used her powerful gift of control to step up to society instead of blocking it out, would she been able to save herself, her family, and her characters reputation as a feminine heroine, instead of a controversial role. But perhaps the controversy over Nora’s character is what we cherish so deeply because it is beyond our understanding. The idea that she is someone who is eternally captivating but can never fully be defined completely. Works Cited Kennedy, X.J. and Gioia, Dana. Backpack Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. New York: Pearson Longman, 2006. 778-843. Nora Helmer in Ibsen's A Doll House Essay -- A Doll’s House Essays In 1879, Henrik Ibsen published the play A Dolls House. However, to much of his displeasure the portrayal of the third act was considered erroneous to critics and audiences of that time frame. This controversy centered on the play’s conclusion in Nora's decision to leave her marriage and abandon her children. Critics labeled this decision appalling and unrealistic, since at that time in history no true woman would ever make such a choice. This uproar forced Ibsen to write a second ending where Nora instead decides that the children need her more than she needs her freedom. Thus, leaving critics and audiences contently satisfied. Since then, though times have changed and ideas and beliefs of the past have been altered, maybe the critics had it right about Nora’s departure. Perhaps Ibsen’s original ending is better left unsaid. Therefore, other than the alternative ending that Ibsen produced, how might the character of Nora deal with the situation at hand differently, based on what can be determined about her from the text? For starters, how about confronting the title of the story? Just who is the Doll? Many may claim that the doll is automatically Nora, for the reasons that she has been molded by her father and then toyed around with by her husband. To those individuals, Nora may seem like she is the victim, the poor little girl who can not comprehend who she is, the sweet â€Å"sky-lark† who had to leave her family for the findings of her true inner being†¦Or on a different note, Nora is the master and the controller of all that is functioning in the Helmer household. Although her husband, Torvald, may refer to her as a sky-lark, squirrel, or singing bird, it can be viewed in the text that Nora does not object to these remarks but r... ...a man who loves her and abandoning her children. Point in taking: Nora served no sense of accomplishment and only declared her egotism in a single selfish act. In the end, Nora’s greatest strength became her greatest weakness and it lead to her vindicated defeat. If only Nora used her powerful gift of control to step up to society instead of blocking it out, would she been able to save herself, her family, and her characters reputation as a feminine heroine, instead of a controversial role. But perhaps the controversy over Nora’s character is what we cherish so deeply because it is beyond our understanding. The idea that she is someone who is eternally captivating but can never fully be defined completely. Works Cited Kennedy, X.J. and Gioia, Dana. Backpack Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. New York: Pearson Longman, 2006. 778-843.

Challenges of Transforming a Traditional Brick-and-Mortar Store Essay

1.Reconcile the idea of selling aromatics over the Internet with a functional approach to marketing. Is the idea basically sound? Although a web-based selling aromatics strategy does not guarantee success, however there are many benefits on web-based sales. The benefits Celia can get from the web-based business if she launches the web site correctly are; †¢There is a potential to increase her revenue. †¢The ability to expand her business into global markets. †¢The ability to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week without additional cost. †¢The ability to lower the cost of doing business †¢Can rate the customer satisfaction about her product will promote more business Celia is very knowledgeable on aromatics products therefore she can be successful by selling online. Many people do not live in a city where their favorite product being offered and they are willing to purchase it from on-line. Celia can take advantage of the growing internet market to launch her scent products. Celia needs to manage her web site properly and use the right strategies to promote her products. Celia needs to pick the correct tool to promote her product and make it available for the on-line customer. In order to be successful in web-based sales, Celia need consider the followings: †¢She need to understand her target customer †¢offer the customer what they want †¢Make sure the web site easy to navigate †¢Simple design of the web site – create user friendly website †¢ Make sure the web site is fast, simple checkout process †¢Assure customers that their online transactions are secure. †¢Keep the web site up to date †¢Hire a professional web designer to create and maintain the web site. 2.What should Celia do? Reference your recommendations to the text or presentation. †¢The first step Celia should take is, she need to select an all-in-one e-commerce internet service that includes; web page editor, shopping card software, design templates, payment processing. Using the all-in-one e-commerce internet service will allow Celia to launch an attractive online store which will promote more sales. †¢Celia should focus on a niche in the market. †¢Celia should market her products online by opening social networking accounts such as Facebook or Twitter. With the social network Celia can start blog about her products and the uniqueness of the products that she offering. She can also offer discounts to the readers who reads her blog or whoever connected with her. †¢ She can attract visitors by giving away â€Å"freebies† through the social network †¢Celia should promote her web site online and offline. One-way of promoting will be giving additional discount to people who orders from online. †¢The last step to develop an effective search engine to optimize her strategy, cheap or lower cost website cannot offer the extensive customer service. Therefore, Celia should consider getting a professional website designer who has referrals and creditability to perform the job that she requires. 3.Comment on Table 1 and the pattern of sales. MonthNumber of Online Transaction Total Monthly Dollars Sales Average Monthly Dollars Sales January2 $ 19.72 $ 9.86 February13 $ 598.69 $ 46.05 March4 $ 103.29 $ 25.82 April6 $ 208.86 $ 34.81 May20 $ 826.58 $ 41.33 June4 $ 98.57 $ 24.64 July2 $ 16.60 $ 8.30 August1 $ 7.29 $ 7.29 September4 $ 114.28 $ 28.57 October5 $ 106.54 $ 21.31 November10 $ 233.54 $ 23.35 December25 $ 1,026.89 $ 41.04 Average per month8 $ 280.07 $ 35.01 Yearly Total96 $ 3,360.85 n/a 1st 2nd 3rd The highest sale of the monthDecemberMayFebruary The lowest sale of the month August JulyJanuary The highest Average of the month February MayDecember The lowest Average of the month August JulyJanuary †¢The highest sales of the month is December oTotal revenue of $1,026.89 oTotal item sold 25 This indicates holiday season and customer are looking for gift items and therefore sales increased. †¢The Second highest sales of the month May oTotal revenue of $826.58 oTotal item sold 20 This indicates mother’s day and customer are looking for gift items and the target market is women. †¢The Third highest sales of the month February oTotal revenue of $598.69 oTotal item sold 13 This indicates Valentine’s Day and customer are looking for gift items and the target market could be women. †¢The highest average unit price of the month is February oThe average price for unit $46.05 This indicates price per perfume increased on the month of February may be it has to do with the Valentine’s Day. During that time people will pay any price to get quality item on the market. All these results show potential target market Celia should focus is ladies and during the holiday season, Valentine’s Day and the mother’s day.

Dimensions for a Concept of Humanity - 1534 Words

Dimensions for a Concept of Humanity Domnick Trani Psychology 33: Theories of Personality Tuesday/Thursday 10:55-12:40 Professor: Dr. Travis Gibbs November 29, 2005 Personality is the permanent pattern of traits, dispositions, or characteristics that create a degree of consistency to peoples behavior. Personality influences everything that people do in their lives; giving people the idea of what is right and wrong. There are six dimensions in the personality of individuals. The dimensions that will be examined are: determinism versus free choice, conscious versus unconscious determinants of behavior, biological versus social influences on personality, and teleology versus causality. Determinism and free choice deal with whether or†¦show more content†¦But, not all of their conscious and unconscious behaviors are deterministic by their genetics; some of peoples behaviors are raised from their own perception, and their learned behaviors from society. Skinner thought of behavior as being controlled by the unconscious, because people rarely observe the relationship between genetic and environmental behaviors in genetics. Skinner did however think of the unconscious and conscious behavior as having limitations. He thought that ultimately, and individuals behavior was controlled by environmental contingencies. This means that humans are inherently limited. But, if they are inherently limited, then that means that their behaviors are genetic, which provides support that peoples unconscious and conscious behaviors are deterministic. A third dimension of personality is biological versus social influences on personality. Biological influences on personality are defined as influences on personality that are made by genetics. Social influences on personality are defined as influences on personality that are made by society. Social influences on personality can include culture. 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