ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on a different kind of response, in which artists, writers and everyday users play with existing literary outputs and forms, adapting them to new platforms and delivery systems, and demonstrating their continued significance for the contemporary context. It considers how social media has breathed new life into traditional literary forms and brought classic works to new audiences. Retellings and reworkings of literary worlds take many forms and perform a variety of functions. Literary social media accounts are often the work of devotees keen to raise the profiles of neglected authors or works, or simply to share their passions. Thus, in addition to the desire to improve or educate followers, literary accounts on social media offer users the opportunity to participate, whether that is by commenting, retweeting or simply liking posts. On platforms such as Tumblr and Instagram, users can create dedicated spaces for exploring and communicating their literary passions and express and share their passions visually.
