Identify key ancient source material and read it in English (or the original Latin or Greek). Take notes on the narrative steps and other things that catch your eye as you read. Having good base notes will make the comparison/contrast easier and richer.
Review your notes and think about what you're especially curious to see in the adaptation.
- Are there particular characters or moments you'd like to concentrate on?Read or watch the adaptation. Again, take good notes.
- Is there an issue or question that the original text treats and you're wondering how the adaptation will handle it?
- Is there something that you think would be particularly challenging for an adapter to deal with?
- Are there things you hope the adaptation might change?
Use your answers to the preliminary questions to guide your initial thinking.
Also consider the following:
- Was there anything that surprised, delighted, or disappointed you about the adaptation? Can you explain why?You might need to toggle back and forth between ancient and modern versions as you're exploring these questions.
- What difference does any change in medium make in your experience of the story (for instance, from poem to novel, from poem to graphic novel, from play to film)?
- What was especially changed, and what is the effect of each change? How does a change alter the focus of the story or push an audience to explore different ideas through the story?
- What was added, and what is the effect of each addition? How does an addition alter the focus of the story or push an audience to explore?
- How does the adaptation reflect the concerns of the time period in which it was produced?
It's also possible that you might encounter the adaptation before the ancient version. That's okay. You can use these same questions to prompt your exploration.
