Study the picture above carefully and write an essay entitled “The Adaptation of the Classical Literature”. In the essay, you should (1) describe the picture (2) interpret its meaning (3) give your opinion about the phenomenon. You should write about 200 words neatly on ANSWER SHEET 2. (20 points)
The picture gives us a view of a popular phenomenon: the adaptation of the classics. Some classical literary works, such as our four GREat classics i.e. A Dream of Red Mansions, Journey to the West, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Heroes of the Marshes, are all adapted to cater to some readers’ tastes. The traditional characters become so strange and the plots are totally different. It is so ridiculous that the precious literary treasures are allowed to be ruined so much.
As we all know, the classical literature is the representation of the outstanding art of our nation. Some familiar characters such as Monkey King express the good wishes of our common people. From them, we learn many good virtues such as honesty, bravery, justice etc. However, in those adapted works named “Bantering***”or “Reboiling***”, all plots are changed and all characters become somewhat watered clown. Some readers interested in reading burlesque works have high praise for them. But they never think of the negative effects of such adaptations on the average reader, especially to children. Children are the future of the nation. They always believe that what is in the books is the truth. Those adapted works will affect their outlook on life.
Therefore, some measures should be taken to restrict these adaptations. The real classics should be presented on the bookshelves to lead people to appreciate the real art.
