The Canary in the Coalmine: Retransmitting Apocalyptic Warnings through Dystopian Narrative

Scott, Linda ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8277-1209 (2023) The Canary in the Coalmine: Retransmitting Apocalyptic Warnings through Dystopian Narrative. In: CONFIA 23, 6-7 JULY 2023, Centro Cultural e De Congressos.

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Abstract / Summary

Abstract: This is an analysis of a contemporary adaptation of Afro Futurist novelist Octavia Butler’s dystopian, speculative novel The Parable of the Sower, the first of a trilogy of books she wrote. Illustrator John Jennings and writer Damian Duffy have created a striking and unsettling Graphic Novel adaptation in response to Butler’s novel that has the potential to influence and expand the awareness of new and younger audiences, encouraging them to explore challenging political and environmental subject matter that they might otherwise overlook. There is a slew of graphic novels that have acquired a higher status in recent years overriding historic perceptions of the form in which they were considered to be at the lower end of the literary hierarchy. Theorists including Linda Hutcheon and Kamilla Elliot in their analyses of adaptations question whether or not absolute loyalty to the original source is essential for them to have value. The theme of educational value for contemporary audiences is also explored.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Octavia Butler, Dystopian, John Jennings, Folio Society, James E Ransome, Damian Duffy, Abrams Comic Books, Afro Futurism , adaptation, Linda Hutcheon, Kamilla Elliott
Subjects: Education
History, Geography & Environment
Philosophy & Psychology
Science
Courses by Department: The Falmouth School of Art
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Linda Scott
Date Deposited: 05 Jul 2023 09:24
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2024 15:25
URI: https://repository.falmouth.ac.uk/id/eprint/4974
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