This paper will take a close look on both the original story and its subsequent adaptation concerning changes in the plot, settings and the themes that differ from
the original. To start off, the question of what a literary adaptation is will be discussed.
The conclusion at the end of the paper will answer the question if Truffaut’s adaptation is an extension of the story, meaning an original film with a literary base, or rather a literary adaptation, confined to the set – up of the original story.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. A short history of literary adaptation
- III. "The Altar of the Dead" (1895)
- III.1 Plot
- III.2 Characters
- III.3 Themes
- IV. François Truffaut's filmic version of "The Altar of the Dead": La chambre verte (1977/78)
- IV.1 Significant changes in setting and plot
- IV.2 Characters
- IV.3 Themes
- V. Conclusion
- VI. Filmography
- VII. Bibliography
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper compares Henry James's short story "The Altar of the Dead" to its film adaptation, François Truffaut's La chambre verte. The objective is to analyze the changes in plot, setting, and themes between the original text and its cinematic interpretation, ultimately determining whether Truffaut's adaptation functions as an extension of the original work or as a separate entity. The analysis will explore the concept of literary adaptation itself within a historical context.
- Literary adaptation as a creative process
- The theme of remembrance and obsession with the past
- The contrast between living in the present and dwelling on the past
- The portrayal of grief and loss
- The role of memory in shaping identity
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the comparative analysis of Henry James's short story "The Altar of the Dead" and François Truffaut's film adaptation, La chambre verte. It briefly outlines the biographical contexts of both James and Truffaut, highlighting their personal experiences of loss and alienation that mirror the themes of the story and its adaptation. The introduction also establishes the paper's central question: Does Truffaut's film function as an extension of James's story, or is it an independent work of art? This sets the framework for a detailed examination of the similarities and differences between the two works.
II. A short history of literary adaptation: This chapter explores the historical perception of literary adaptations, tracing the evolution of attitudes towards fidelity and originality. Beginning with the Renaissance emphasis on originality, it progresses through Romanticism and High Modernism, showing how the value placed on adaptations has shifted. The chapter significantly discusses André Bazin's influential ideas on adaptation, particularly his argument for seeing the source material and its adaptation as a single entity rather than separate versions. This sets the theoretical backdrop for the analysis of Truffaut's approach to adapting James's story.
III. "The Altar of the Dead" (1895): This chapter summarizes Henry James's short story, focusing on its plot, characters, and themes. It details the protagonist George Stransom's obsessive commemoration of the dead, his rejection of the present, and his ultimately ambivalent relationship with society's neglect of remembrance. The chapter highlights Stransom's creation of a mental and later physical "altar of the dead" as a central motif. The encounter with Paul Creston reinforces Stransom's commitment to remembrance, while his relationship with the unnamed woman presents a complex counterpoint to his obsession. The overall somber tone and exploration of memory are central to this section.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Literary adaptation, Henry James, François Truffaut, The Altar of the Dead, La chambre verte, memory, grief, loss, remembrance, past vs. present, adaptation theory, André Bazin, originality, fidelity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Henry James's "The Altar of the Dead" and François Truffaut's "La Chambre Verte"
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of Henry James's short story "The Altar of the Dead" and its film adaptation, François Truffaut's La chambre verte. It examines the changes in plot, setting, and themes between the original text and its cinematic interpretation, ultimately exploring whether Truffaut's adaptation serves as an extension of the original work or stands as a separate entity.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis delves into several key themes, including literary adaptation as a creative process, the theme of remembrance and obsession with the past, the contrast between living in the present and dwelling on the past, the portrayal of grief and loss, and the role of memory in shaping identity.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents covers an introduction, a brief history of literary adaptation, a detailed summary of James's "The Altar of the Dead," an analysis of Truffaut's La chambre verte, including significant changes in setting and plot, a conclusion, filmography, and bibliography.
How does the paper approach the concept of literary adaptation?
The paper explores literary adaptation within a historical context, tracing the evolution of attitudes towards fidelity and originality from the Renaissance to High Modernism. It significantly discusses André Bazin's influential ideas on adaptation, considering the source material and its adaptation as potentially a single entity.
What is the chapter on "The Altar of the Dead" about?
This chapter summarizes Henry James's short story, focusing on its plot, characters, and themes. It details the protagonist's obsessive commemoration of the dead, his rejection of the present, and his complex relationship with society and remembrance. The creation of a mental and physical "altar of the dead" is highlighted as a central motif.
What aspects of Truffaut's "La Chambre Verte" are analyzed?
The analysis of Truffaut's film covers significant changes in setting and plot compared to the original story, as well as a comparative examination of characters and themes. It explores how Truffaut adapts and interprets James's work.
What is the conclusion of the paper likely to address?
The conclusion will likely address the central question of whether Truffaut's film functions as an extension of James's story or as an independent work of art, summarizing the key findings of the comparative analysis and offering concluding thoughts on the relationship between the two works.
What keywords are associated with this paper?
Keywords include literary adaptation, Henry James, François Truffaut, The Altar of the Dead, La chambre verte, memory, grief, loss, remembrance, past vs. present, adaptation theory, André Bazin, originality, and fidelity.
- Quote paper
- Sema Kara (Author), 2012, Henry James's short story "The Altar of the Dead" and its filmic adaptation "La Chambre Verte" by Francois Truffaut, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/267434
