Look at the stories of Gravity Falls and the hidden messages among the episodes. Explore how it ultimately led to a giant real-life scavenger hunt which strengthened fan's appreciation of the show. Research if any other shows have done this, where they bring aspects of the tv show into real life for fans to enjoy, and how that contributes to the strength of the fan base and its longevity.
Ultimately, the pros and cons of bringing aspects of a show into real-life.
Fringe had codes set within each episode, and I'm sure other mystery and sci fi shows had similar things, if that helps. – IndiLeigh7 years ago
Analyse the impact of habitually consuming short (30 second – 10 minute) videos on our consumption of "traditional" television and film. Short videos on YouTube, Facebook and other social media outlets are consumed on-demand, generally tailored to our "interests" with skippable (or micro) advertisements. In contrast, television is impersonal, generic and heavily interrupted by ad breaks. The advent of Netflix and other online streaming services further primes viewers to expect on-demand content free of advertising. How will this shape the future of television and what does this on-demand expectation say about our changing attitudes, especially in light of millennial challenges in today's world?
Our short attention spans are more tuned to watching stuff faster, on the go and based on our convenience. TV is bound to have a tough time keeping up. – Vishnu Unnithan7 years ago
Waiting on the release of Blade Runner's sequel, and perhaps Han Solo prequel film (if this topic doesn't become cyber dust first), but I'd be taking a look at the treatment of Han Solo, Indiana Jones, and Rick Deckard in their much-later sequels; how Hollywood treats them differently and the same from their original movies, how Hollywood addresses age and new generations, and general significance conveyed by the classic series' choices.
Comprised of a combination of art students, artists, and educators, the docents at Los Angeles' Broad museum do not just give visitors the answers to questions. Answering questions by asking questions invites guests to come up with their own ideas about the art they are viewing. This is a refreshing experience that challenges viewers to interact with the art at a higher level of investment thus providing a more personalized experience. By increasing viewers' understanding of art through more direct engagement, the Broad is creating a more artistically educated society one guest at a time.
Interesting form of public service. When I patronized a certain place and ask a question about it, being given an answer certainly lasts only as long as the next piece. By doling out questions, it seems to me that the experience permeates the mind longer. – lofreire7 years ago
There is a fair amount of scholarly research published on interactions between museum guides and viewers, particularly in terms of learning engagement on the part of viewers. (See for example, E. Louis Lankford, “Aesthetic Experience in Constructivist Museums,” The Journal of Aesthetic Education (Vol. 36, No. 2, Summer 2002) 146.) I wonder if this sort of approach is addressed in the literature, and if so, did they implement these policies based on the literature? – PMGH7 years ago
Writing is a passion with so many drawbacks- Writers block, constantly thinking of ideas, dealing with rejection and failure. So what makes us continue? There are many reasons, such as wanting to tell an important story, wanting to show commitment and dedication to a hobby and wanting to get published. For many, its a way to gain self-appreciation and satisfaction. By demonstrating to yourself that you can commit to a task for many months, it's like the literary equivalent of running a marathon. For others, it's about proving a talent to the world. It's about declaring 'I've got something to say and I'm going to say it'. Regardless of the limitations of being a writer, the benefits outweigh the negatives.
I agree with everything you have said. I also think that we continue to write to express our thoughts and opinions and to jot down our experiences. Some also write as a way to escape from reality, there troubles and worries. It is therapeutic I suppose for some. In regards to your last statement, if you love writing with a passion the benefits will always outweigh the negatives because you love it so much. – claraaa7 years ago
I see the point about all the negative aspects of writing, whether for work or for hobby. I suppose in my case, the human mind has such endless and boundless capacity for creativity that writing is only one way for expression of that creativity, others being dance, song, painting. In the end, the writer is the 'prophet' of what so many people overlook. The writer is not much different than a teacher because a teacher has the motivation and ability to impart valuable words unto the right people. People have been writing things down since the earliest times. My curiosity is constantly piqued by what others create and the form in which it is expressed. – lofreire7 years ago
I totally agree with this. I think writing is an art and it is challenging to continue. I sometimes find it discouraging when I am out of ideas or when other people's writing are better than mine. However, what keeps me going is that writing is a way for me to express myself. It also helps me get my thoughts. Another beautiful thing about writing is that it can be kept and you can always go back to it. It almost preserves how you once thought or felt. It is fun to read things you have written several years back and see how you've grown. – birdienumnum177 years ago
I think we all have our own reasons for writing, even if we know we probably won't be the next big thing. Yes, rejection is a toughie and I have enough rejection slips to wallpaper my bathroom (OK, it is a very small bathroom), but my attitude to rejections is chalk it up to experience and keep slogging away regardless. I write as a hobby, to express myself and to explore some of the weird ideas that bubble to the surface from whatever dark corner of my mind they were previously lurking in. For instance, I recently underwent an operation to remove a cancerous growth from my bowel, but my gallows sense of humour kicked in almost as soon as I left the recovery area - because the doctor who operated on me was named Dr.Disney. Honestly, you can't make these things up! A few frantic scribblings later and I've got the beginnings of a black humored comedy sketch that might lead to something...or it'll sit on my hard drive until I find a way to use it. Whatever the case, at least I have a short character study that might well pop up in something else I write. Benefits definitely outweigh the negatives and we write because we need to write in much the same way as a musician, poet, painter or film maker follows their passion. The creative side of humanity is our best feature and it should be nourished in all of us. – Amyus7 years ago
All of these comments are exactly what I had in mind- The individual thoughts and experiences of each person are unique and different and this topic can really embody that. It's also refreshing to hear that we have all had moments of rejection and disappointment (and even though most of us try to brush it off and say 'it makes us better writers-which is true- Rejection is AWFUL!). – Courtney7 years ago
I agree with what you have said, along with the notes posted. It is interesting to think about, why writers continue their passion although there are many drawbacks. Most of my pieces of writing are to jot down experiences in a more literary form, however, I completely agree that there are many different reasons why people like to write. But that is like any other form of hobby or career, the reason why people choose them and continue to evolve with them are endless! The benefits definitely outweigh the negatives as a writer. – caitlinm7 years ago
I agree. Writing as a medium has evolved and become extremely accessible due to the other existence of other mediums. Even in this site, with the possible exception of the arts (i.e. sculpture, painting, etc.) and gaming (which depends on the games that are being talked about), all of the mediums are partially what they are thanks to strong writers contributing to the projects. Writing is not only a healthy way to vent and express opinions, especially for those of us who are more introverted and/or shy, but it gives people an opportunity to experience working in several creative industries. I think the endless possibilities ultimately make up the beauty of this hobby that we all have. – mrheckleton7 years ago
Writing helps me to clear my mind and put out things and ideas whivh would not have been able to in the course of any conversation. It is a basic right of my freedom and something which has even been proven to be psychologically benefecial. – Vishnu Unnithan7 years ago
Every brief glimpse the audience of Steven Universe is allowed into the nature of the crystal gems' Homeworld conveys it to be an environment remarkably Huxleian in quality. The denizens of the planet are all created for highly specific purposes (from which they are not allowed to deviate): Pearls are personal attendants, Rubies are soldiers, and of course, Diamonds are monarchs who rule over everyone else. Such a social structure is reminiscent of that which is present in Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World.' Is this a valuable comparison to make? To what extent is it true? Additionally, in what ways (with the characters' interactions on Earth) do the cast of Steven Universe affront Homeworld's status quo? Is the message their resistance sends to watchers valuable? If so, how?
I think Homeworld's message is "everyone in their place, and the places are preassigned," while the Crystal Gems say, "Everyone finds their own place." There should definitely be discussion of class and aristocracy regarding the Homeworld. – IndiLeigh7 years ago
For years, both Marvel and DC Comics have been publishing annual comic book event series that promise big stakes in order to generate revenue. However, this trend is becoming too common and these events can be hits or misses. This article would examine the pros and cons of comic book event series and detail examples that have been praised or reviled by readers.
With the release of Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Ghostbusters (2016), Alien: Covenant (2017) and Blade Runner: 2049 (2017) to name a few examples, are we seeing a revival of 80's nostalgia in film? Perhaps it is merely Hollywood cashing in on established titles?
I am from the 80s and this topic is scaring me. Movies today are waaaaay better. – Munjeera7 years ago
I often complain about how Hollywood are struggling to come up with original content, not forgetting that Child's Play and Beetlejuice (both 1988 films) will have new sequels released this year. It was a decade of great films, though, and I wouldn't be entirely opposed to an 80s Renaissance. – nikkileelucas7 years ago
Investigate the seemingly modern phenomenon of media being "ruined" by it's fandom. Works like Steven Universe, Undertale, and Minecraft all have encountered problems with people being reticent to engage with them despite merit of the works themselves due to preconceived notions of what kind of people engage with those works. In some cases, particularly Steven Universe, high profile twitter users have expressed fear of discussing the show for worry of how the fandom may lash out at them. How new is this phenomenon? Is critiquing a work based on it's fans valid? How can creators avoid this stigma? Should they have to?
This is often a huge problem with media (particularly large fandoms), particularly in regards to the 'extreme' fans, who discriminate against 'fake fans' and become overly obsessed in shows, turning off those who are more casual fans. Looking at the fandom before the show is becoming the new first step to becoming interested in something, and it can indeed damage the popularity of a show, even changing the entire target audience (take My Little Ponies, for example, where the growing fandom of 'Bronies' has turned most parents away from introducing the show to their children, lest a middle aged man in a unicorn onesie starts stalking them on the internet - a common idea people associate with the new fanbase). – SophIsticated7 years ago
Some fandoms can also get really out of control, especially if little kids that can't take others different opinions make up the majority of it. This can become an issue on social platforms where the fandom in question is being discussed etc. – airyfrairy7 years ago
Agreed, very much. I loved Once Upon a Time when I first started watching it, for example. I still do. But the negativity of the fandom has left me feeling pressured to say, write, or think negative things I don't necessarily agree with. The same is true for other shows I've enjoyed. Once the fandom gets too vocal, I tend to go "into the closet," for fear that being associated with the show will cause backlash. And let's face it: I often closet myself because I'm just sick of hearing fandom blather. – Stephanie M.7 years ago
How does the latest Wonder Woman film portray World War I and the physical/emotional effects it had on the soldiers and/or civilians. Also worth exploring is Diana Prince's/Wonder Woman's character development as she struggles to hold onto her ideals amid the horrors of the trenches, mustard gas, and the moral ambiguity of humanity.
This is an awesome topic! I saw wonder woman yesterday and found the use of the WWI setting very intriguing. It is a crucial aspect of the film and Wonder Woman's emotional and moral growth/development. – Sean Gadus7 years ago
This is a good topic, but its two instead one. Maybe make it a little bit more specific: choose character development or World WarI, as these are both very different topics. Maybe be could fuse it by saying how struggles such as war develops strong character as in Wonder Woman. – birdienumnum177 years ago
I like these ideas, although I tend to agree that the stronger topic here would be Diana's character development, especially as she is such a mix of innocence and power. I think it could also be interesting to explore her empowerment and how that is juxtaposed with the suffragette era briefly alluded to in the film. – HoldenSheppard7 years ago
I like this topic! One thing to consider might be how Wonder Woman views the causes of World War I. – Ben Hufbauer7 years ago
The transition of villian or semi-villianous characters in tv shows throughout a show's run is a popular move within the recent years due to the rise of the anti-heroes. Consider examples of when this has worked verus when the change simply felt out of character. How far is too far? Have there been any instances where the characters committed acts which were retconned to ensure their new status would be accepted by audiences?
I feel as though nearly every villain in modern shows today is at least somewhat glamourised by the fans, regardless of their moral viewpoint. Even villains such as Moriarty in BBC's Sherlock, a psychopathic killer who has no morality, and in fact has destroyed the lives of the protagonists more than once, is often loved and fantasised about. – SophIsticated7 years ago
Redeemed villains and anti-heroes seem to me separate things entirely, things that cannot really be compared in the same breath. There's never really a time when Walter White comes across as a redeemed villain. He, and Light Yagami from Deathnote, are anti-heroes with varying degrees of morality.
Jamie Lannister is probably the pinnacle redeemed villain contemporarily, as a truly despised character in the beginning through to being many people's favourite good guy currently.
Just my two cents here. – Entropy7 years ago
This made me think of literature's first anti-heroes -- Milton's Satan in Paradise Lost -- perhaps this topic can center more on an audience's fascination with villains and anti-heroes in general?
– Jeffrey Cook7 years ago
True Blood is a television show that uses mythical characters as symbols for both past and present events. One of these that stands out to me is when the Vampires are given the right to marry, this would be a symbol of Homosexuals being given the right to marry one another. Another one is that the Vampire's curfew has been lifted and in many countries (such as Australia) the indigenous had to fight to get the same curfew as everyone else. In one episode you see a burning cross and the in the opening credits you see a boy with what looks like a KKK costume on which as both strong representation of the KKK.The thing that has made people tune into the show week after week is the mythical creatures and the story lines that are being used to demonstrate these symbols.
As long as there has been film, there have been adaptations of novels translated to the screen. The debate has always raged when it came to these adaptations about whether the film "holds up" to the novel in comparison, either by transferring it faithfully to the screen or doing enough different to merit individual worth. The debate has always favored the novel over the film adaptation, but why exactly is that the case? Is it because the original has final authority over the material? How do people interact and absorb stories differently through these medium? What are some examples of film adaptations surpassing their novel counterparts?
'Surpassing' is subjective, I'd come up with a standard definition for that. I personally like the penultimate question best, but no edit required; it's simply a very open-ended prompt. – m-cubed8 years ago
My favorite example of this debate is James Ellroy's L.A. Confidential vs. the 1997 film. The two versions share common threads but are distinctly different. I would also look at novels adapted by their writers like Perks of Being A Wallflower and the Godfather, where the authors had a hand in the film versions. – SeanGadus8 years ago
Personally I don't think that it's wholly fair to compare a film to the book it was based off of. If an adaptation is worthwhile, then it should stand alone without requiring reference to the text on which it's based. That said, I think it's somewhat bizarre that films are often adapted from books in a way that's meant to be a 'faithful' representation. Can you imagine if someone tried to do the opposite, and turn a movie into a book? I'm all for mediums inspiring each other, and there are plenty of great film adaptations of movies, but I think ultimately a 1:1 translation of art to a new medium is impossible, which may account for why most film adaptations are so awful. – woollyb8 years ago
I don't personally think we could have an answer for this. As a book leaves the reader to view the world however he pleases most of the people who prefer the novel adaptations are offering a subjective opinion. Reaching an objective stance on this is going to be tricky as results always vary. – TheUbiquitousAnomaly8 years ago
A lot of the classic examples of films considered to have surpassed the novel are often films that most viewers aren't even aware was originally based upon a novel to begin with thus allowing the viewers to see the movie on its own merits first. Whereas novels that were mainstream popular prior to film releases are rarely considered to measure up. – Bookaddict277 years ago
Books are the soul to another universe. And movies takes you to that universe. For me after reading he HP series and watching the film, it's a little disappointing but I keep wanting to watch the movie over and over again, because it kinda transports me into a universe which I can visually see. Some movies like Sherlock Holmes, in which I have not read any books on, makea me want to write a hold of the novel to read them, and not the movie adaptation but he original novel. Hence, I can't say for sure if we have a true answer! – Zuccy7 years ago
Books require more attention to detail and more concentration. It had *more* in it. However, I believe that some books are better as movies - such as 'The Martian', as it is written as a documentary on film. – essie7 years ago
Recently several popular anime shows have been remade into live-action versions, e.g. Death Note (in several versions), Itazura-na-Kiss, Dragon Ball Z, etc… Many have been either unsuccessful and disappointing to fans (the example that comes to mind is the Avatar the Last Airbender!) or, more recently, have engaged in the unfortunate cultural appropriation of characters aka "whitewashing". What is behind the apparent difficulty of successfully remaking these fantastic stories into live-action form – is it the difference in mediums? Is it idiosyncratic to the directors/creators? Is it pure coincidence that no examples of a successful adaptation in popular cinema/television come to mind, or is this a systematic trend?
Using examples from my own memory, I feel it is both medium and a disconnect between directors and fan-base that can result in a failed remake. Often times, it is the animation style that aids in both delivery and overall success. Also, sometimes directors/creators can miscalculate what aspects of a show are responsible for its success. For example, a show that gains popularity for its wit and character development can be poorly mistranslated so that the action aspect of the show overpowers other components. – BreannaWaldrop7 years ago
Video games seem to be one of the stronger emerging forms of media these days and that in turn has caused a sort of cultural and social shift for some. Consider Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAS) which have friend and party functions built into their games. MMOs as well have an in-built social function with things like public chatting in Runescape. It would also seem that these social aspects in video games would transcend the in-game functions and disperse into various mutual fandoms. Online communities and more for all these games are growing and becoming more prominent along with the medium. How do you think this has come to be? What does this mean for the culture surrounding video games compared to how it was before?
With every year comes a new award season and while there are always surprise contenders (Moonlight [2016], Room [2015], Slumdog Millionaire [2008]), there are always films that everyone views as being made purely to receive awards and acclaim.
The recent commentary surrounding La La Land (2016) as being awarded purely because Hollywood like a film about itself; any number of period dramas (The Kings Speech [2010, The Artist [2011]) as well as films that don't do too well at the box office but receive multiple Academy Award nominations.
Is there anything wrong with this? Is the 'Oscar Bait' a valid category of film? Is it a genre?
This could definitely be an interesting topic to discuss. You could look at the common features of movies such as La La Land and how these turn a movie from something made for the public to something made for the awards. Are there certain themes, genres (drama, action, comedy), and/or plot lines that are used in 'Oscar Bait' movies? – SophIsticated7 years ago
It is definitely and interesting topic to discuss. Particularly the point about Hollywood loving a film about itself and acting in general. The success of The Artist, Birdam and La La Land at the oscars is a great example as they are all vastly different movies but all have that one Hollywood aspect in common. – AbbeyThorpe7 years ago
Very interesting topic for discussion. It's undeniable that oscar baiting is prevalent in the production, timing and distribution of films nowadays but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a genre or category but more a by-product of studio's self-importance. The only thing more farcical than films pandering to Hollywood was the worldwide outrage surrounding DiCaprio's (deserved and overdue) Oscar win. – danieljubb7 years ago
I think this topic could definitely use some exploring. I think for the most part, a good film has a set formula to execute and achieve in order to snatch that Oscar and it's almost entirely undeniable to say that some movies don't set out with those awards in mind. However, I think even though these movies don't always appeal to the public it doesn't necessarily take away from their beauty or brilliance. This is for sure an interesting discussion and eludes to that greater issue of Hollywood simply patting themselves on the back or actuality creating art for the sake of art (and not an award). – JulieCMillay7 years ago
Sophie Vannan, My colleagues above are kind in saying that the topic is interesting, but I'd go so far as to say that not only is it interesting, it IS absolutely real. You need only look at the difference between critical accolades/Oscar wins and box-office earnings to see that there is a gulf of difference between what folks in the Academy like and what the public likes. Take this into consideration. The following is a list of the movies that have won the Oscar for best picture in the last four years: 2016: Moonlight
2015: Spotlight
2014: Birdman
2013: 12 Years a Slave These movies were given the award by the people who made the movies. Now, let's see which movies would've won if the award was given by the people who watch the movies (I'm basing these "winners" on box-office returns; I got these figures from thenumbers.com): 2016: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2015: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
2014: American Sniper
2013: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire As I said, there's a huge difference as to why the movies that people most care about are the ones that so often get overlooked during award season. I think that, in large part, this is due to Oscar baiting. Perhaps the best way to proceed would be to see 1. what kind of "bait" do modern directors use and 2. why doesn't the public care about it given it's obvious divergence from critical opinion. Thanks for your time,
August – August Merz7 years ago
Music is a crucial part in creating and enhancing the mood, themes and overall atmosphere of a movie, and without it, many of the popular films we know and love would have a completely different feeling. However, the interaction between the composer and the director can often be very scarce, even close to nonexistent. Indeed, the composer can receive the movie after everything has been completed, and with only a few weeks to create the entire score so that it fits perfectly with each scene. On the other end of the spectrum, the director may send sections of the movie to the composer at a time, meaning that making the musical connections of each part of the movie and tying themes together can be a near nightmare for the composer. How exactly does all of this pushing and pulling manage to come together to create the masterpieces that we see on screen?
This would certainly be fascinating to write about as the soundtrack can greatly enhance the impact of certain films looking at composers like John Williams with countless films and even a more contemporary form of composition like with Arcade Fire in Her. I think the collaboration aspect of it is also very important to consider when creating the entire piece. Nice topic, would love to see it brought to life. – Callum Logie7 years ago
Really interesting topic, as soundtracks can make or break a film in my opinion. The importance of music in film is definitely underestimated. Most great movies have great music. – Charlie7 years ago
Recent years have witnessed the emergence of live-action remakes of classic Disney films including Cinderella (2015), Maleficient (2014), The Jungle Book (2016), and Beauty and the Beast (2017). The trend is ongoing, with Disney planning many more adaptations in the coming years. Can the popularity of live-action remakes be reduced to nostalgia, or is it reflective of a lack of creativity on the part of studios? On the other hand, do live-action remakes offer something new to viewers, and does the genre provide opportunities for filmmakers to explore new themes?
This is a question that's been dwindling in the back of my mind for some time. I've mostly assumed this to be a lack of creativity and a need for more income but I would be very interested to see what live-action remakes have to offer. Given that the author has done their research and looked into all the possible aspects of this prompt I think it could be a very good article and may conjure some good discussion. – ReidaBookman8 years ago
I think there is definitely something to be gained here. A place to start would be the change of the elephants in the live action Jungle Book. The singing marching tanters (who are enjoyable) are transformed into animals perceived as gods in their jungle. This contrast provides an interesting view, and would make for great discussion. – McCooper8 years ago
I believe you can't help but feel nostalgic when watching these remakes. Take the classic Beauty and the Beast for example, the soundtrack was the same, so were the settings and costumes as well as the characters. You could argue that there may be a lack of creativity which is why more remakes are being filmed, in saying this, how many Beauty and the Beast remakes can you make? One should be enough to take you back and get a feel for the real life adaptation. I know this isn't a Disney film but I would love to see Anastasia remade! That would be a dream come true, I love that movie so much. I would love to see who would be best suited for the roles and how they would go about filming it, such as the settings and costumes. It even has the most amazing soundtrack as well. Hopefully some day. – claraaa7 years ago
I think these remakes provide a platform for a modern narrative within the seams of an old timeless story. It gives filmmakers and writer a real chance to enter contemporaneous rhetoric into allegorical, well known tales. This topic is a great one to dig deeper into because I think it would give the writer and the readers a chance to learn more about these old stories and how they affect the public today and not just the questioning of creativity on the production side of it. – JulieCMillay7 years ago
Well in the case of the 2016 Legend of Tarzan film, starring Margot Robbie, I believe it's interesting how film makers can put their own spin on an acclaimed animated Disney film without impeding on the original film. Similarly to the 1991 film Hook, I personally find it more eye-opening when creators think outside the box and develop their own story upon the original film. Perhaps another article could explore the significance of these unique stories in the form of live-action remakes which develop from classic cartoons. – ninaphillips277 years ago
I thought they were done with typical Disney movies after Enchanted, and was surprised to hear about the remakes! (Don't forget about Pete's Dragon, which has almost nothing in common with the original.) They're not making very big splashes besides Belle, but they've lined up about 19 more and bought Anastasia to adapt. What I see most in these is "fixing" the old ones: the romances have more time to develop, the background characters get a bit of heart, an abstract fairy tale gets placed in a real setting. But yeah, basically they've taken the twix of childhood and made it the truffle of adulthood for Disney fans. – IndiLeigh7 years ago
For the past few years, the popularity of comics have surged. Statistically, in 2015 comics and graphic novels sales topped $1 billion, including print and digital. Why is this? The rise of cinematic universes such as the MCU and DCU is one obvious answer however, looking deeper, there are other reasons. First off, has accessibility contributed? With different apps providing libraries of comics for a subscription-like price becoming increasingly popular, is print dying down? Then there is services like Netflix showcasing original series like all the marvel ones or Riverdale, each having comics as source material. Will these new forms of accessing comics hold the popularity rate? Or will it die down again only to be re-birthed in many years?
Superheroes resurge in popularity during rough times. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/books/03/18/superhero.history/index.html?iref=24hours Just like musicals. In the times we live in right now, I guess we could all use a little song and dance as well as faith that somehow we will get through. – Munjeera7 years ago
In many of Virginia Woolf's novels (such as "The Voyage Out", "Night and Day", "Mrs Dalloway", "To the Lighthouse" and "The Years"), the concept of family, and in particular family breakdown, appears. Considering her own life (her parents, brother, and half-sister all died when she was relatively young), does her family influence this portrayal of families? Obviously, one would have to give biographical information about Woolf and a description of the principle families in some of the novels (Mr and Mrs Ramsay in "To the Lighthouse", the Dalloways in "The Voyage Out" and "Mrs Dalloway", etc.)