Recently, there has been a rise in film adaptations of books that have sent fans of fiction flocking to the theaters to see how directors have changed or kept the foundations of the books they love. But film directors are not the only ones who feel that audiences should experience books live, as TV screen writers are showing their literary chops as well. Listed are a few TV series that are very literary.
Sons of Anarchy
Does the story of a prince who is torn between his duty and his family sound familiar? If not, how about the hesitant prince, who rather orchestrate a crazy plan to avoid killing someone he is instructed to kill? Of course we are talking about Prince Hamlet, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. FX’s recent ending of its hit show made audiences believe the Shakespearean connection even more, as a quote from Shakespeare appeared before the ending credits. We have enjoyed seeing Jax’s—AKA Price Hamlet, plot twists and struggle to act before it eventually led to his own demise. The Ghost of King Hamlet was fun to spot in each season as well.
Breaking Bad
Okay, so a school teacher selling Crystal Meth is not a story taught in high school. However, the writer does seem to have an obsession with Walt Whitman. Walter White’s entire story of self-preservation is very poetic, as the entire plot is reminiscent of Whitman’s poetry on the working class and his transcendental sense of human mortality.
Salem
The Crucible, as well as historical documents of the Salem witch trials, helps create one of the most fun projects students may have had in English class. Salem takes this tragic time of mass hysteria in American history, and creates a gory rendition of what post colonial Americans were scared of—the existence and practice of witchcraft.
The Following
Edgar Allen Poe lovers may indulge in this series about a cult whose leader is obsessed with the master of horror. In the first episode Poe fans will want to know what story will be gruesomely displayed next. In a show where you cannot trust anyone, trying to find the Poe references is a good distraction from all of the anxiety and suspense the show can create.
