CASD 1717 – Fall 2024
Single Page Version of text: “The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck” – Beatrix Potter, 1908
What do you think is the difference between a retelling, and adaptation, and an inspiration when it comes to working with a fairy tale?
The difference between a retelling, an adaption and an inspiration when it comes to working with a fairytale is that the retelling is almost identical to the original but with a few modern updates or perspectives, an adaption is incorporating changes to fit a new medium and cultural context, an inspiration which is using elements from the original take, but with significant deviations.
I agree with the modern updates and perspectives being the factor in making an impact on a retelling of a fairytale story. Certain details of stories often get changed as time goes on and stories get modernized to the current audience and generation of the time. As well, depending on the perspective of the person who is retelling the story certain aspects of the story might be more emphasized and detailed than others which can cause changes in the story- however, the main factors usually do not have impactful changes.
A retelling of the story keeps the original plot of the story for readers; however, it may change a few details about the character, perspectives, and settings. An adaptation changes the format of the story to work with the audience that it is being made for. Lastly, an inspiration is a new story that has slight connections to the original story that is being inspired from. The main differences are in the way the story is told and what details are being changed.Â
As seen in the story and videos above, there is a clear difference between a retelling, an adaptation, and an inspiration when it comes to working with fairytales. A retelling involves using the same main plot, but can have a shift in word structure and/or characters used throughout the story. An adaptation involves changing the outlook of a story in order to tell a new story in a similar context to the original. An inspiration, especially seen in the last video can stem from creating an entirely new story, but with the same elements of the original, such as the characters and somewhat original context from the original stories, such as the sign on top of the roof that said, “Grandma’s Joint, Come Up And See Me Sometime”, which can truly be seen as an inspiration from the original.
A fairy tale retelling includes essentially reconstructing the original narrative, keeping its fundamental ideas and organization in place but also modernizing the language/setting. On the other hand, an adaptation changes the story to fit new viewpoints, often modifying important details to appeal to modern viewers. Also, inspiration is the process of using a fairy tale as an inspiration to create something completely new, even though the original story may still be there.
I agree that retelling the story is basically the same as the original, keeping the fundamental ideas in place but also modernizing it.
When reading different versions of Little Red Riding Hood, it is pretty straightforward that some versions have the exact same story, the same narrative and end, and some minor changes in the plot. I think this is called retelling. However, adaption is when the story has the same characters and setting and maybe the same morals, but the plot is adapted (like the grotesque tales we’ve read during class with dark endings that were adapted to more modern times and to a younger audience). Inspiration is when the only element of the story that is the same as the origin is the characters (like the last video of Red Hot Riding Hood), and the plot, setting, and morals are completely changed.
Retelling is taking that fairytale and putting a different spin on it. Adaptation is using a fairytale and using some parts. Inspiration is changing everything but keeping that one fairytale in mind.
I think a retelling keeps the original fairy tale’s plot but offers a new perspective, and an adaptation changes the story for a different medium, like film. Inspiration uses elements or themes from the tale to create something new and original.
When reading a fairy tale retelling, it essentially has the same story and it tries to stick to the original plot. An adaptation, on the other hand, changes the way the story is told; it might even add some new things to it, like in the video from Warner Archive. An adaptation sometimes could add more modern things to the story so the people during that time could relate to it better.
When learning about fairytales there can be different interpretations. Retelling the fairytale is basically sharing your own version of it but a similar plot. An adaption is making a few inputs and changes into the story and inspiration is its own version and turning that original fairytale into something new.
A fairy tale retelling retells the original story while updating the vocabulary and context. Current readers will be able to understand the story after some changes. Often, important details are changed. Adapting a story to make it more appealing to kids is different from getting ideas from a fairy tale and using them to make something new. For inspiration, you need to change the characters, the plot, the scene, and the morals.
Retelling means it stays closest to the original. Adaptation makes significant changes while maintaining a connection to the original. Inspiration draws inspiration from the original but creates a new work.
Retelling a story means that people retell stories that are close to the original stories. Adaption can mean that it can be the same story but with some changes. Inspiration means that some elements were taken / used from the original fairy tale, but it is a new story.
A retelling sticks closely to the original story, with the same plot, characters, and themes but might use updated language or new details. An adaptation changes parts of the original story, like the time period, setting, or characters, but keeps the main idea. A story inspired by a fairy tale takes just a few ideas from the original and creates something new.
Difference between retelling, adaptations and inspiration are that most characters stay the same but the plot is tweaked. In retelling usually changed to fit the narrative of the day what is acceptable to be told. Adaptations usually changed the story in a way to give a different perspective of the story. Inspirations use ideas and create a new story.
Retelling a story is basically the same as the original. It will have the same plot and characters, but with very minor changes. It will be told from the version of the person, with very little changes being made. An adaptation is essentially the same story, but with some changes. For instance, the characters or time period may be different, but it will keep the main idea or the plot of the original story. Lastly, an inspiration is when certain things may have been used from the original story and there may be parts that are inspired by the original fairytale. However, this is where the most change is made. It is an entirely new story with significant changes.
When retelling a fairytale generally the story is in the original storyline however things are being changed or even added to the story to fit different believes and cultures. Fairytales are a source of likelihood. Something we can all relate to and feel. After all, we are all alike in many ways but we also have different views and fairytales tend to change and add things so we can all relate to in one way or another.
I think the difference between a retelling is when the story is being told exactly how it is known to be as, an adaptation is when the story is similar to the original but certain elements are adjusted to the different time, and an inspiration is when a new story is created using elements of the original but is not the same at all. The new story is based on the original just used the elements in a different way.
So much of the appeal in being retold a fairytale, at least for myself as a kid, was the cuteness of a Disney adaption! I loved the visuals to keep me entertained and hooked to the story. Depending on who is telling the fairytale, they will shift it a certain way for the intended audience to enjoy it.
Things are being changed throughout the retelling of the story to appeal to different audiences. For example, today in fairytales more animation or music is being added compared tot he original tale.
A retelling closely follows the original fairy tale with minor changes, keeping the main themes and characters. An adaptation changes more, like the setting or time, to fit a different audience or medium. Inspiration uses ideas or themes from the original story to create something new that may only loosely connect to it.
I think the difference between a retelling, and adaptation, and an inspiration when it comes to working with fairy tale is retelling a story is nothing being added or changed its told exact same way. An adaptation is some details added to the story and an inspiration is a whole different story being told but it’s inspired by and original.
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