Transmedia
“Adolescents mediate much of their world through experiences with digital media, and these authors use formats with which readers are intimately familiar to enhance their engagement” (Hayn & Kaplan 245)
“Through the magic of cyberspace, readers can now link to designated websites and explore alternate avenues of expression and narrative that portend to take readers on a journey that is far more fantastical (and often, more realistic) than a single read” (Hayn & Kaplan 29)
“Through the magic of cyberspace, readers can now link to designated websites and explore alternate avenues of expression and narrative that portend to take readers on a journey that is far more fantastical (and often, more realistic) than a single read” (Hayn & Kaplan 29)
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries by Hank Green and Bernie Su
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Fans of Pride and Prejudice will go crazy for this modern, online adaptation of the classic novel. Through web-blogs, tweets, and tumblr posts, fans can experience their favorite characters in today's world. In this version, Lizzie is a 24 year old grad student and Darcy is the CEO of Pemberley Digital. The story line follows the original closely despite some modern twists (such as an online sex scandal). Followers have the opportunity to interact through comments and tweets, and shape the trajectory of the story. This fresh way of thinking and interacting with literature shows teens that there are other forms of "reading" that may be in medium they are familiar with.
Questions to consider:
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Fans of Pride and Prejudice will go crazy for this modern, online adaptation of the classic novel. Through web-blogs, tweets, and tumblr posts, fans can experience their favorite characters in today's world. In this version, Lizzie is a 24 year old grad student and Darcy is the CEO of Pemberley Digital. The story line follows the original closely despite some modern twists (such as an online sex scandal). Followers have the opportunity to interact through comments and tweets, and shape the trajectory of the story. This fresh way of thinking and interacting with literature shows teens that there are other forms of "reading" that may be in medium they are familiar with.
Questions to consider:
- How are the characters different or similar to the characters in Pride and Prejudice? Did you find them more or less likable? Did you relate to characters you wouldn't otherwise expect to?
- How did the additional social media sites enhance or take away from the story? Did they compliment the characterizations portrayed in the videos?
- What did you think of the creator's deviations from the original story line? Did you think Pride and Prejudice should have been followed more or less closely? Why?
- Get involved in the story! Post (comment or tweet at) something on the Lizzie Bennet Diaries site.
- Create a blog/facebook/twitter account from a character in your favorite novel. What would they think/say/write about? Consider how they would design this social media site, who their friends would be, why they would choose that form, etc.