Essay Assignment 2:  Barthes and Adaptation

EN 102-10

Writing is the destruction of every voice, of every point of origin.  Writing is that neutral, composite, oblique space where our subject slips away, the negative where all identity is lost, starting with the very identity of the body writing.  (Barthes, “The Death of the Author” 253)

 

The text is a tissue of quotations, drawn from the innumerable centers of  culture . . . a text is made of multiple writings, drawn from many cultures and entering into mutual relations of dialogue, parody, contestation . . .the  reader is the space on which all the quotations that make up a writing are inscribed without any of them being lost . . . .  (Barthes, “The Death of the Author” 255-256)

 

 KAUFMAN: I’m insane.  I’m Ourobouros . . .  I’ve written myself into my screenplay. . .  It’s self-indulgent.  It’s narcissistic.  It’s solipsistic.  It’s pathetic.  I’m pathetic.  I’m fat and pathetic. . .  I have no idea how to write.  (60)

 

              One of the many interesting facets of the film and shooting script of Adaptation is that Charlie Kaufman is both reader (of Orlean’s The Orchid Thief) and writer (of Adaptation).  Kaufman comments on both of these activities, and this makes us wonder what Barthes and Kaufman would say to each other? 

• Imagine a conversation between Barthes and Charlie Kaufman.  We do, of course, have at least two “Charlie Kaufman”s to deal with: the actual Kaufman and the Kaufman who is a character in Adaptation, and you should probably choose to write about only one of them.  You may write this conversation in either dialogue or paragraph form (we’ll discuss this in more detail in class).
• Thinking about Kaufman as both reader and writer, would he agree or disagree with Barthes’ theories?  How does Kaufman’s own personal reading of Orlean change The Orchid Thief?  How does Kaufman’s writing of Adaptation change The Orchid Thief?  Explain, using specific examples, and quoting (using MLA style) from both Barthes and Kaufman. 
• Finally, how do you feel about Barthes’ theories of reading and writing?  Are they at all relevant to your own reading/writing experiences?  Do Barthes’ ideas have anything to do with “adaptation”?
• Don’t forget to write an introduction (mentioning the film Adaptation and Barthes’ essay) and a conclusion which summarizes and connects the different parts of your essay.  Please run spell check, grammar check, and proofread!

 

Your paper should be about 5 pages in length.  As always, all papers must be typed, in 12-font, and double-spaced, with standard margins.  Numbering your pages and stapling your paper assures that pages will not be lost.

Rough draft due: Tuesday, October 12

Final draft due: Thursday, October 14