Mukta Pillai
Viewpoints Editor
This year, films have seen a rise in book adaptations, from Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” to Emerald Fennel’s controversial “Wuthering Heights,” with various other novels planned to be adapted for the screens. After the release of these films, to my delight, I found that many people found connections to their favorite childhood cartoons.
A popular comparison, as well as one of my childhood favorites, was the special “Arthur” episode featuring a take on the Odyssey. The episode took inspiration from oral storytelling traditions, with D.W. (Arthur’s younger sister) telling the story to her older brother and friends, imagining herself within the epic myth. Arthur wasn’t the only PBS show that was inspired by the Odyssey, with a similar plot adapted into an episode of the “Wild Kratts,” centered around the Kratt brothers lost at sea.
Channels such as PBS Kids, Tree House and Cartoon Network introduced classic literature, ingraining stories into our minds. I still remember episodes of “Arthur” recreating “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Frankenstein” and Edgar Allen Poe’s poetry, not to mention an exceptional song praising libraries and utilizing the resources provided by them. These shows highlighted the art of storytelling and the simple joy of exploring and learning. As a young child learning to read, I remember hating reading, feeling like it was a chore. Why would I read, when I could talk to my friends and hear stories from my friends and family? Now, over 15 years later, I’ve become an English literature major, ironically. Looking back, I wonder how much of my eventual love for literature was shaped by the stories I encountered outside the classroom.
Not only do these shows help to introduce literature to younger audiences, but they often grapple with heavier topics of loss, grief and social issues. Seeing characters deal with the loss of friends, illness and systemic issues becomes the reference through which we see the world. This comes with its own pros and cons, as some messaging can get lost or misrepresent certain topics. Nevertheless, these shows are some of the earliest influences in a person’s life.
Unfortunately, like most college students, I find that time seems to slip away (especially when winter creeps closer), leaving me with no time for myself. Being surrounded by research papers, I.S., presentations and exams, has slowly sucked the creativity out of me. In a moment of great procrastination and stress, I decided to play an episode of Arthur, followed up by other nostalgic cartoons. Watching some of these shows reminded me of my younger self; her joys and passions. I recommend to all, take a break and watch an episode of your childhood favorite show.
