What’s this, you say? TV Literature? I know, many people find this to be an oxymoron. However, I think it exists. It is an elusive beast, but I plan to try to hunt it down throughout this blog. But before I dive in, let’s discuss what this might look like. I think a great place to start is the very definition of literature, and how tv could possibly fit in.
Merriam-Webster: writings in prose or verse; especially: writings having excellence of form or expression and expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest
Webster’s: The class of writings distinguished for beauty of style or expression, as poetry, essays, or history, in distinction from scientific treatises and works which contain positive knowledge; belles-lettres.
Dictionary.com: writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays.
So what does this say about the chances that a television program could qualify? Well, the news is not good. All of these definitions cite the written word as a critical feature of literature. Clearly, this immediately excludes any other medium (including television and film). So, in the interest of our exercise, I am going to ignore the medium and focus instead on the content. Based on these definitions and others, here is my list of The Critical Elements of Literature (according to Emmy):
• Characters that evolve over the course of the entire story
• A central, developing storyline that has buildup, climax, and resolution
• Some emotional heft (audience has to be engaged in the story)
• Exploration of one or more universal themes
• Use of literary conventions such as metaphor or alliteration
So tv may not fit the literary mold perfectly. But I don’t think that should preclude a discussion of the literary elements inherent of many of the best programs out there, today and in the past. From here on out, I will be working from the assumption that tv can and sometimes does aspire to literary standing, medium notwithstanding.
Just like in written literature, there is a spectrum with television programs, from tabloids to Shakespeare and Faulkner. Well, on second thought, I can’t think of any television Faulkner. But there is definitely some solid Stephen King caliber work out there. (Which brings me to a whole other discussion on genre, coming soon.) Much of what is out there right now is right along the tabloid or smut lines –The Hills, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette. There is also a lot of pure entertainment value stuff out there – Law and Order, Parks and Recreation, Glee. There’s nothing wrong with these programs. If your favorite weeknight activity is to sit down with your kitty, puppy, significant other, or mug of hot chocolate and take in an episode of Dancing with the Stars, then great! It’s just not my cup of tea. Don’t get me wrong – some of my favorite shows to watch are those pure entertainment value programs (John Grisham caliber tv?) like Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, and Glee. And I’ll probably talk about those a bit too because they sometimes reflect clutch literary elements.
But what I am most interested in discussing here is the material that really embraces the quintessential elements of literature, at least as I define them. This is irrespective of genre (a topic soon to be discussed). I will not hit on every example of tv lit. There is a lot out there that I hear is wonderful, but may just not be my style, or perhaps I just haven’t had a chance to check it out yet. Hopefully I’ll get some good feedback from my reader(s) on this!
In the interest of full warning, I may well insert some pop culture-y discussions. I just can’t help myself sometimes – I just have to know what is going on with Kristin Bell these days, or if they are really crazy enough to be thinking about a Buffy revival. But I’ll try to keep it pertinent, interesting, and fun. I look forward to hearing what you think!
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