Comparing and Contrasting Adaptations of Classic Texts for Young Readers: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus (1818)

Abstract

[Abstract] This study examines five adaptations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus (1818) aimed at young readers in contemporary British, American and Spanish markets. There is considerable consensus among researchers and practitioners that classic texts, due to their cultural, literary and educational value, should be made available to young readers in an accessible and attractive form. For this target audience, adaptations are among the most common strategies, and usually involve such practices as proximating and updating. In order to compare and contrast the diverse questions, challenges and problems that adapters faced here (Usborne, Sterling, Susaeta, RBA and Anaya) the following criteria have been taken into account: book format and design, structure and content, language and style, and additional instructional materials.