Authors: Sarika Tyagi, Dr. Anil Kumar Sirohi
Abstract: The adaptation of literary works into films has emerged as one of the most influential forms of cultural transmission in modern society. While traditional criticism frequently evaluated adaptations based on their fidelity to the original text, contemporary adaptation studies emphasize their role as independent cultural products that reshape audience reception and interpretation. This paper investigates the cultural influence of literary adaptations on audiences through an analysis of selected classic novels and their film adaptations, including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, To Kill a Mockingbird, Great Expectations, Little Women, and The Lord of the Rings. Using adaptation theory and audience reception studies as theoretical frameworks, the paper explores how adaptations contribute to cultural preservation,collective memory, educational engagement, and global cultural exchange. The study argues that film adaptations function as cultural mediators that extend the life of literary texts beyond their original historical contexts. By translating written narratives into visual experiences, adaptations make literature accessible to wider audiences and encourage new interpretations of classic works. The findings demonstrate that literary adaptations play a significant role in shaping contemporary cultural consciousness while ensuring the continued relevance of literary heritage
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22208154
