Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Adaptation.: Written by Another Source

The first chapter in the book A Theory of Adaptation by Linda Hutcheon is called “Beginning to Theorize Adaptation”. Hutcheon looks at adaptations as a secondary work from the original. Hutcheon states that, “When we call a work an adaptation, we openly announce its overt relationship to another work or works” (Hutcheon 6). Adaptations are universal and repeated with variation constantly. Hutcheon believes that because adaptations are repeated with variation consumers stay interested because the story becomes so well-known. Financially it is better to produce an adaptation of an original work according to Hutcheon because the original work has already proven itself successful. The overall point of this chapter is to get an understanding of the basics of adaptations such as the definition, background, what gets adapted, how things get adapted, and the process of adaptation. There is a lot of information packed into one chapter.
The Little Mermaid was mentioned in the chapter. Hutcheon talks about how Andersen’s The Little Mermaid was adapted into a musical. The musical elements tell the story and display the themes and different emotions.
Hutcheon has some very good points that she stated in the first chapter. There are many forms of adaptations and each producer will adapt an original text in their own unique way. “They use the same tools that storytellers have always used; they actualize or concretize ideas; they make simplifying selections, but also amplify and extrapolate, they make analogies; they critique or show their respect, and so on” (Hutcheon 3). Producers can change the story to fit the new genre or put a new twist that will keep the audience interested. Hutcheon explains the elements that should be adapted. For