Critical Essay - Stage 3.

     Are recreations of pieces of art, literature, and music ripping off originals or are they merely a homage? Before written history, clans and families would pass around stories by mouth. They became lore and were easily recited, albeit with details changed. When a written language was developed, these stories were translated and passed down again. Anyone who has studied language knows that in translating, especially from one language to another, meanings and contexts are often lost. Despite the changes, these stories were held in high regard. Recreations were often regarded as a nod to an original, a new way of looking at the original, interpreting it, and making it more interesting. However, copyright laws have developed and stifled the creativity of secondary artists, authors, and musicians. Several instances in history of art, literature, and music have suggested that remixing and recreating an original piece responds well to the situation and provides a creative outlet for authors. In other words, these secondary works often promote and give praise to the original.
     Many times in art history has a painting, carvings, or drawing been modified and remade. One of the most famous examples is the Last Supper painted by the great Leonardo da Vinci. This painting has been redone in recent years in numerous different instances. New paintings include replacing the Lord and the Apostles with aliens, IPods, Sesame Street characters, and Simpsons characters. The masterpiece has even been crafted into tattoos. Another example of paying homage to art is playing into a specific style of art. The most famous types of art are pointillism, expressionism, and pop art, just to name a few. Does the original author, the one who invented the style of art, have any claims? Is there a way to regulate who is allowed to publish art in that style? Andy Warhol is the most famous example of a pop art artist. His works includes pictures of Campbell Soup cans, electric chairs, and, most famously, Marilyn Monroe. This last work has been assimilated to other forms of modern culture, including a pair of sneakers made by Nike (1). Should these be considered a quality remake of the original or should Warhol, like all authors, be given all rights and the art not redistributed in any way?
     The argument becomes more severe and complex in literature. One of the strongest arguments lies with the most famous book in the world – the Bible. In ancient Catholic Church history, the Bible was translated in Latin only. In this way, the Church could interpret the Bible as it saw fit. Martin Luther believed the Bible should be in a person’s native tongue as to help them better understand their religion. The Church disagreed and excommunicated him. The beginning of the argument over remixing an original to better it or to leave the original piece had begun. When the Bible finally was translated, words became rearranged and new meanings took place. In more modern literature, the question is raised when unauthorized sequels are made. A sequel has been made for most popular novels, everything ranging from Gone with the Wind to The Wizard of Oz. These sequels are often unauthorized by the original author. However, if one critically analyzes these sequels, there is a distinct attempt by the secondary author to further the masterpiece of the original. Each author wants to see their favorite novel continue and will see it happen in the way they see fit. These sequels are often enjoyable and a refreshing change to modern literature studied in school situations. One famous example of reworking and integrating an original is The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer wrote this based on other important texts of his time, including the Decameron by Boccaccio (2). However, many literary pieces have since been written on The Canterbury Tales. The most famous adaptation comes from a novel most modern readers have read – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. J.K. Rowling used The Pardoner’s Tale as a basis for her Three Brother’s Tale (3). The Canterbury Tales has also been made into numerous theater adaptations, each one taking on its own interpretation of the literary masterpiece. Each work adds a little something different to Chaucer’s original and makes the audience reconsider how they read and interpreted the work.
     Yet another example of remixing an original to a better new piece is music. Bards were the original “songsters.” They told tales of history and poems of love. Commoners took these tales and changed them ever so slightly, until they came to the point where they barely were recognizable. In the same way, modern songsters have taken popular songs and remixed them. Cover bands and covers of popular songs are all over the radio airwaves and the internet site Youtube. Cover bands take an original song and sing it their way. Many try to emulate the original song. However, some can take a country song and transform it into a dance song. Some take hard rock and make it into a heart-wrenching love song. Are these a copyright violation or simply a means of giving a song more popularity and a wider range of audiences? Talent shows are forever popular for this. American Idol is one of the greatest examples. Contestants take an original work and sing it their way, on their terms. It is seen as a way to get music out in the public and get more recognition, not as a way of ripping off the original. One form, however, has come under much scrutiny. This would be the famous DJ Girl Talk. He takes popular songs, those of the current generation and mixes them with the songs of past generations. This may violate copyright laws, but it provides the artist a greater range of listeners and better publicity than normal radio airtime. The music is popular and consistently played. However, Girl Talk has faced threats of lawsuits. If someone actually listens to Girl Talk’s music, he has remixed an original so completely, it is almost unrecognizable. He can argue free use and would most likely win. He brings a refreshing change to modern music and generates a lot of publicity (4).
     As demonstrated, remixing, remaking, and redoing an original often has a positive effect – that being, a new, refreshing work. Art, literature, and music are made better with new ideas and thoughts. In terms of an audience, a modern student would most likely enjoy a stage adaptation of a play as opposed to reading the play itself, even if the play adaptation varies from the original. There is something to be said for reading, seeing, or hearing a great work of art and appreciating it. However, it should be recognized that not all adaptations are bad. Some enhance and further originals. They are often enjoyable and thought-provoking commentaries on the original.

(1). “Pop Art Sneakers.” Image. Trendhunter Magazine. October 16, 2009. March 17, 2010. < http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-andy-warhol-and-marilyn-monroe.>

(2). Smith, Nicole. “Comparison of ‘The Decameron’ and ‘The Canterbury Tales’: Common Themes in Boccaccio and Chaucer.” Article Myriad. 2010. March 17, 2010. http://www.articlemyriad.com/decameron_canterbury.htm.

(3). Brian, Greg. “’The Pardoner’s Tale’ in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales: Its Influence on J.K. Rowling and as a Complex Guide to Navigating Modern Times.” Associated Content. August 03, 2007. March 17, 2010. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/336038/the_pardoners_tale_in_chaucers_canterbury.html?cat=38

(4). Masnick, Mike. “Why Hasn’t the Music Industry Sued Girl Talk?” TechDirt. July 08, 2009. March 17, 2010.