ABSTRACT
Adaptation studies has mutated from an under-acknowledged, narrowly focused field of study into an all-embracing perspective which eagerly consumes all intertexts in its path – and which, by doing so, may be sowing the seeds of its own destruction. Now is the moment to pause, rewind a little and reflect upon the fascinating course of adaptation studies, and its present trajectory and purposes, with the hope of ensuring its future. This chapter recognises the extent of the impact of intertextuality upon adaptation studies before engaging in a paradigm shift. Kamilla Elliott's initial work on novel-to-film adaptation explored existing conceptions of adaptation in an attempt to elucidate common ways in which the category is formulated. Although it is tempting to press ever onwards in the current path, it is often valuable briefly to pause and reflect. Intertextuality is most helpful when regarded as a tool, a perspective, not an overarching ideology.
