Reinventing the classics, a.k.a idea recycling

Recycling isn't just for paper, folks. It just occured to me how often people take old ideas, whether they be classic works of lit like Pride and Prejudice, or Greek mythology, or some random story their great-grandma told them about ghosts in the cuboard, and insert it into their lastest novel and/or screenplay.



In an interview, Suzanne Collins said the Hunger Games was inspired in part by Greek legends surrounding th Minotaur demanding child sacrifice.



The Twilight Saga has many references and underlying themes rooted in classics such as Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice.

Practically half of YA books draw on some sort of mythology or folklore.

Why do people do this? The themes from classics are still relevant. There's a reason these books and legends have stuck around so long. They draw on the essential characteristics of human nature- the good, the bad, and the ugly. Whenever I read Shakespeare, I'm always amazed at how some things don't change in four hundred years. And it's usually those things that matter.



I've heard people complain of how afore-mentioned idea recycling leads people to ignore the originals, but I disagree. Authors wish to add, not subtract. Expanding on a particular idea creates more interest, instead of less, and often leads a reader to read the inspiration for a book they love.

So I guess my point is (If I have one) feel free to put your own spin on an old idea. Recycle. It's cool to be green.