The Transformation of Characters and Plot in the Adaptation of Nancy Springer’s the Case of the Missing Marquess Novel Into Film

Abstract

This research examines the film Enola Holmes (2020) by Harry Bradbeer as an adaptation of Nancy Springer’s novel The Case of the Missing Marquess (2006). The study applies Hutcheon’s adaptation theory to explore the motives behind the adaptation. To uncover the ideologies present in both the novel and the film, Barthes’ semiotic theory is used. After identifying these ideologies, Hutcheon’s theory is utilized to analyse the adapter’s motivations in creating the film adaptation. This study employs a qualitative research approach, with primary data drawn from both the novel and the film. The novel provides data in the form of quotations, dialogues, and narrative elements related to characters, characterization, and plot. Meanwhile, the film data consists of selected scene screenshots that illustrate transformation, character, characterization, and plot. To support and validate the analysis, secondary data is also used. These supporting sources include books, journal articles, theses, and other references relevant to the research topic. This research aims to achieve two main objectives. The first is to identify the transformations made in the adaptation of Nancy Springer’s The Case of the Missing Marquess into the film Enola Holmes by Harry Bradbeer. The second is to uncover the motives behind these adaptation choices. A comparative method is applied to examine and determine the changes between the written text and the audiovisual medium. Once these transformations are identified, Barthes’ semiotic theory is used to analyze the underlying ideologies by interpreting the signs present in both the novel and the film. These signs are then connected to the contextual background of the issues explored, which helps reveal the adaptation motives through the lens of Hutcheon’s adaptation theory. The outcome of this research is the identification of the motives behind the adaptation. The ideologies present in the novel include liberal feminism, traditional masculinity, and familial loyalty, while the film reflects liberal feminism, progressive masculinity, and liberalism. Based on these ideological differences, the adapter’s motives are identified as both personal-political and economic lures. The adapter utilizes these motives, particularly for financial gain, by incorporating ideologies that resonate with contemporary social issues, thereby increasing the adaptation’s appeal and potential profitability.