Bøger af Valerie Estelle Frankel

This book analyzes Jewish themes, characters, and contributions in science fiction and fantasy of the post-Holocaust period, from the U.S., Europe, the Soviet Union, South America, and Israel. The author explores the ways in which comic books, parody films, and emerging literary subgenres contested prejudice and embraced counterculture.

In the beloved cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender, Aang undergoes a deep otherworldly journey to become a leader, as he faces all he's buried and learns what it means to rise to the role of Avatar and spiritual guide. At the same time, paralleling him, is Zuko on the classic villain's journey. Just as battling Zuko teaches Aang, the reverse is true, until Aang's example shows Zuko how to find heroism. All the while, eastern symbolism, culture, myth and mysticism reflect their adventures. This exploration is a fun look at deeper meanings in the show and comics, for casual and devoted fans.

The beloved television show Bridgerton breaks racial barriers as it explores an alternate history in which biracial Queen Charlotte elevated people of color to dukes and earls, welcoming new perspectives in Regency London. Essays in this work examine in detail the hit Netflix series. Topics covered include Bridgerton's unique, racially conscious casting and its effect on common tropes and roles; the overt sexuality in the context of prim Jane Austen films and historical shows like Downton Abbey, Outlander, and recent nineteenth-century adaptations; dueling; art; manners; dress; social conventions; feminism; privilege; power; dreamcasting; colorism; and yes, the sex scenes.

A brave heroine whose quest involves living her true gender. A genderqueer knight who battles the transphobic court to save their prince. Often fearing discovers, the trans hero embarks on adventure, aided by an accepting mentor and other allies, and challenged by transphobic villains and sometimes uncomprehending family members. Ultimately, the trans hero triumphs, finding love, selfhood, and affirmation. This book takes Joseph Campbell's classic pattern of comparative mythology and applies it to trans and non-binary heroes in modern popular media who are traversing multiple worlds. Analyzed are works for the screen such as Steven Universe, The Matrix, The Umbrella Academy, Sense8, and Sandman; print materials such as DC and Marvel comics; and television, fantasy books, and graphic novels from trans and non-binary creators worldwide.

Discover the hidden meanings in Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Discover how it's a giant metaphor for the philosophies of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. Find every easter egg, and discover how tightly Coriolanus Snow and Katniss are symbolically entwined. Who is Shakespeare's Coriolanus and how does he relate? How about the ballads? What modern issue is Collins protesting this time? Professor Valerie Estelle Frankel, author of two books on The Hunger Games, offers all this and more.

Wonder Woman is an icon...but an icon of what? To some, she's Lynda Carter, spinning into star-studded shorts to save the day. To others, she's a racy Halloween costume or inspiring feminist role model. Which is true? This book analyzes each era of Wonder Woman, from the Golden Age to George Pérez and Gail Simone's reboots to The New 52 and television shows, cartoons, and films. Which teach the right messages for girls and boys? Which have problematic symbols? Most of all, which present an empowering female superhero and which just a fun-loving princess in an improbably clinging corset? Let's find out.

Gushing fans of Outlander name it the feminist Game of Thrones. Is it? More action-packed than a romance, this historical time travel narrative soon transforms into a war saga. Claire delights as the fierce, prickly World War II nurse who falls for Jamie, the sensitive Highlands outlaw. He offers more than a fling or even a timeless love, as he guides the heroine to a deeper level of spirituality. Of course, Diana Gabaldon explores much about modern gender construction. Her heroines shoot pirates while the Highlanders blend courtly gallantry with bloodthirsty battles. How the books and show address nudity, violence, gender roles, and the elusive female gaze reveals much about the characters as well as ourselves.

The high school or college English class offers a long list of technical terms: Symbolism, Irony, Metafiction, Allegory, Metaphor... With such a barrage, it can be tough to sort them all out. Yet here's the list, from Absurdity to Zeugma, all defined through the clever wordplay of Hamilton. In fact, musicals use all the rhythm and rhyme patterns of history's top poets, and the literary skill of crafting characters and straddling genre. Further, the rap battles reveal a list of logical fallacies and top argumentation strategies that could empower lawyers or speech writers at the level of this famed Founding Father. Going deeper, the book lists the themes, motifs, allusions, and so on of the show, revealing sneaky foreshadowing and subtle symbols. For die-hard fans of the show, or those mastering rhetorical terms, logic, and the power of words, it's a delightful geek guide.

Who was Cinna? What do the hawthorn and primrose symbolize? Or President Snow's roses and Peeta's bread? What about Katniss's last name? Bringing details from myths, herbal guides, military histories, and the classics, English professor and award-winning pop culture author Valerie Estelle Frankel sheds light on the deeper meanings behind Panem's heroes and villains in this hottest of YA trilogies. In her series, Collins not only weaves a heroic tale of deep complexity but harnesses the power of Shakespeare and Rome to retell an ancient epic of betrayal, violence, and glory on the stage of an apocalyptic future. The perfect treat for fans of all ages. Everything Hunger Games, packed into one volume. From Alma Coin to Wiress you'll learn about -Why roses are a flower of death -How eighteen of the characters are used in Shakespeare's plays -Katniss's nickname Catnip -The meaning of "The Hanging Tree" -Peeta's pearl and Katniss's salvation -Effie the saint and Finnick the Irish hero

With oodles of steamy romance, paranormal time travel, adventure, and much more, Outlander is sweeping the nation. From over a dozen volumes to its newest incarnation as a breathtaking Starz show, it continues to delight, even with subtle, clever changes. But what was life really like then - from kilts and bagpipes to selkies and the fair folk? Who was Bonnie Prince Charlie and why was his campaign so disastrous for the Highlanders? Discover the story's roots, from Doctor Who to Brigadoon to Game of Thrones. Learn to speak Scottish, uncover the difference between Beltane and Samhain, explore customs of Highland weddings, tour Versailles and Edinburgh, and dive into the rich era of history that pervades this incredible epic.

True Blood is more than just an HBO show brimming with sex and gore, or another vampire horror story blown up by big media. Independent detective Sookie Stackhouse is following the classic heroine's journey, seen in epic myth and popular fantasy, from the quests of Isis and Demeter to the struggles of Dorothy Gale or Katniss Everdeen. Beside her, Sam, Jason, Alcide, Eric, and Bill, along with Pam, Tara, and Jessica embark on their own epic quests into darkness seeking freedom and belonging. From the show's mythic structure to the maenads, fairies, demonesses, werewolves, and vampires, True Blood swells from its ancient roots to tackle modern issues and sensibilities in a breathtaking epic...while still breaking taboos and tackling boundaries.

The Mandalorian has arrived as the first offering of Disney+. After eight delightful episodes, however, fans were left with questions. Who is the child and why does everyone want him? There are many clues and theories for those who know where to look. Further, the rich extended universe offers a full backstory on Mandalore as well as more on the Child's species. There are also dozens of easter eggs and heavy symbolism as the Mandalorian battles aliens and competitors. We'll delve into this and much more: How did the beloved Boba Fett inspire this character? What's he hiding in his helmet? What is the Darksaber and what does it mean for our hero? Most importantly, what's coming next?

The final season of A Series of Unfortunate Events premiered January 1, 2019 on Netflix. As many fans had hoped, it answered many questions, neatly tying up the mysteries never solved in the series. However, the rather pat history of the villains and their schism with the heroes doesn't match the shadowy multigenerational feud of the books. Now, The Secrets Solved: Unraveling the Mysteries of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events examines the clues from novels, prequel series, interviews, and the best fan theories to unravel the major questions of the series. Do the Baudelaires really have a fortune? What crime did Lemony Snicket commit? Who is the mysterious taxi driver? What's really in the sugar bowl? For the first time in print, all these will be clearly, logically answered.

Everyone in the galaxy wants the Plot Device...especially the looming orange supervillain Big Vicious Dude, Lord of All the Galactic Places He Feels Like and his Vice Lord Whinin the Finger Pointer. Clearly, the galaxy needs a hero! Too bad all they've got is man-child Quitter Pill, Grapesoda the space babe, Bunny Foofoo, Dweeb the world's biggest raspberry gumball, and a treelike creature who keeps saying "I am Grout." Together they're the Mockeries of the Galaxy, and they'll save everyone, no matter the cost...as long as it's not their collectables.

Doctor Horrible, Jayne Cobb, Oz, Fitz-Simmons, Echo, Pike, Saffron, Kaywinnet, the Groosalugg, Skip, Satsu, Dana Polk, Perfect Jheung, Icarus, the Siphon, Edna Giles, Dandelion Naizen, and especially Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With Whedon's superhero names, goddess names, flower names, saint's names, and dozens of British names, he's filling his world with references from Shakespeare to manga, delighting fans who look closer. Which names repeat the most? Which characters have secret links? Examining Whedon's naming through his five shows, plus his movie scripts and dozens of comics, reveals fascinating patterns for his dedicated followers.

Part of the delight of Xena: Warrior Princess comes from its campiness - she duels with swordfish, beats thugs with a diaper, flips and spins without a thought for gravity. As she and Gabrielle spar with Santa Claus, Lao Tzu, Julius Caesar, Goliath, Beowulf, Homer, Ulysses, Caligula, Odin, and Genghis Khan, they exist in a historical mish-mash impossible to take seriously...even without the rock music and American slang. Yet hidden within the silly storylines is an immense dose of subversion. Xena rolls her eyes as she seduces warlords in a harem costume and is the first to admit her own leather dress is just as much of a performance. In each historic encounter, Xena takes no credit for revolutionizing history, toppling dictators and saving heroes. As she sneakily saves the day, her unrealistic world underscores an idealized reality - one in which women have always outperformed men.

In the comics, seven distinct characters were called Captain Marvel, while Carol Danvers began as Mar-Vell's rather helpless assistant, relaunched herself as Ms. Marvel with superpowers and a forty-year Avengers career, and finally achieved captaincy. The film gleefully nods to the past characters (including Shazam!) and storylines. It builds on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from the earliest days of S.H.I.E.L.D. to Guardians of the Galaxy. Meanwhile, subtle moments shatter glass ceilings in a way Wonder Woman with her skimpy uniform, all-male team, and conventional romance does not. Captain Marvel's awesome powerhouse moments, like trouncing all the villains to "Just a Girl," made the audiences cheer. More subtly, she's embarking on the classic heroine's journey as she defies the patriarchy and redefines herself. It's a groundbreaking, genre-defining work of fourth wave feminism that refuses to compromise.

On the heroine's journey, the young woman quests for autonomy, with adversaries who reflect her shadow side. They polarize with her, evoking different aspects of the personality. Wrestling with these figures and achieving a rapprochement, the heroine discovers all the untapped potential and hidden strength that lies within. BBC's Orphan Black follows this perfectly. Sarah Manning discovers she's a clone when she meets her identical copy, Beth, and sees her commit suicide. Through the first season, Sarah plays Beth, learning discipline and responsibility. All this gives her the strength to grapple with her wild sister Helena and evil sister Rachel as she battles the patriarchy in an ancient feminist clash. This book analyzes the symbols and inner life of the five main characters' journeys, along with some of the lesser Ledas, as all seek the power of a united sisterhood.

Wonder Woman the 2017 film blazed into the theaters and thrilled audiences with its killer action. Boys and girls cheered when their superheroine dropped her cloak and raced across No Man's Land, eagle blazing on her chest. In fact, a deep symbolism lurks behind Diana's lasso, shield, and crown, especially the new film versions. Why is her island filled with shells and spirals? As she explores Edwardian London, and mucks through the trenches, how is her journey particularly superheroic? The characters, their origins, and the nuances of feminism reveal much about America's favorite superheroine and how she subverts them all.

An Unexpected Parody: The Unauthorized Spoof of The Hobbit revisits the film with mayhem, mirth, and magic missiles-or at least, crumpled newspaper missiles. Torn Teepeeshield, the Hot Prince of the Dwarves, puts aside his developing stardom in dwarf cabaret to quest to the Lame Old Mountain and destroy the dragon Erpolushun, or in the common tongue, Smog. Gonedaft the Grey, formerly known as Gonedaft the Grizzled and Gonedaft of the Rainbow Tie-die that He So Can't Pull Off, recruits Bumble Baglunch, country gentleman and professional coward, since as an avid comic book fan and all-around geek, Bumble's too smart to fall prey to obvious fantasy clichés. Together with Bobbin, Noggin, Rover, Clover, Sloppy, Ploppy, Frappe, Hottie, Spottie, Quaff, Sloth, and Ezekiel the dwarves, they journey across Renfair Earth to revive their franchise. Destiny may be a word writers use to pave over plotholes, but Bumble is determined to triumph nonetheless and play as good a game of goblin golf as his ancestors.

Hamilton, the hip-hop rap musical, has revolutionized theater. It's the story of an immigrant, "young, scrappy, and hungry," who kicked off the Revolutionary War and built the central government of today. Within this book appears the musical's backstory with many deeper insights. How do the Schuyler Sisters' signature colors reveal their personalities? Which stage equipment best amplifies the themes? What of the words like "Satisfied" and "My Shot," with so many double and triple meanings? Most importantly, we'll explore how the show hauntingly echoes today's political climate and hottest issues. As the musical extends a mirror of vibrant, diverse, passionate America, it captivates all who discover it.

Orange Is The New Black offers much that no show ever has. First, it slams us inside an unseen world - not just a women's prison but its toilet stalls and secret storerooms. While our guide is the blonde yuppie Piper, we expand to meet Black women, Latina women, a Haitian, lesbians, a transvestite, the poor, and the elderly - all minorities generally sidelined. Now Remember All their Faces offers a guide, not just to characters, but to each one's deeper significance as we meet Flaca the flirt, Soso the hapless activist, and Janae, who's learned to keep her head down. The book also analyzes themes from community and corruption to the series' poignant cry for reform. It unfolds the real facts of federal prison to show where the program exaggerates and where it offers the utter truth.

A Series of Unfortunate Events delighted readers young and old with far more than clever mysteries and harrowing hijinks. The books celebrate language itself, packed with wacky definitions and Sunny's playful puns. Idioms rise to a new level as the books curve their plots to literalize barking up the wrong tree or being in the belly of the beast. The Netflix show adds even more fun, while All the Wrong Questions blends a celebration of children's novels with noir parodies. All this helps juvenile readers expand their vocabularies while cultivating a love of clever wordplay. In this volume, it's all explained: the parodies of classics, the double entendres, the subtle references many have missed. It's a lighthearted romp through this deeply nuanced series, revealing how clever it truly is.

Heroines have existed since the earliest prehistoric myths, questing to become the all-powerful mother goddess in an epic that has them descend to hell and pit themselves against tyrants and vicious matriarchs. Nonetheless, the nineties TV show Xena: Warrior Princess was one of the first to face this journey onscreen. In it, heroic Xena and her companion Gabrielle battle their dark sides over and over, growing into legends through their struggle. Xena and the Heroine's Journey explores the symbolism of the costumes, the talismans, the emotional struggles, the allegories of the musical episode. It lays out the journey step by step as Xena and Gabrielle face enemies that reflect their own submerged shadow sides, then plunge into true death through crucifixion and sacrifice. Along the way they battle their evil daughter-selves and thus reconcile with their dark sides, discovering the balance that makes a hero, whatever her gender.

One of the most striking elements of the Hamilton musical is its women-feisty Angelica, loving Eliza, alluring Maria...and Peggy. However, with limited time, the show has little chance to delve into the women's most fascinating elements. Angelica ran off with British scoundrel and double agent John Church, while Peggy scandalously wed her astoundingly wealthy teen cousin. Eliza was inducted into the Iroquois as a child, and spent her widowhood not only sparring with presidents but journeying to the West at age eighty. Burr educated his daughter Theodosia to equal any man, before her tragically mysterious end, while her mother's tangle with Mrs. Benedict Arnold changed history. Maria's story, too, may be far more complex than Hamilton claimed. Beside these irrepressible characters are the many other founding mothers-Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and all the others who, however lightly touched upon, transformed the Revolution and the young nation forever.

BBC's Sherlock has brought the classic adventures into brilliant life-fans across the world are delighting in every moment. But more is hidden within the episodes for the more serious fans-nonstop hints to the original adventures and the classic films as well. Within this book are all the references, with quotes from the actors and creators, notes from John and Sherlock's blogs, and loads of colorful symbolism. There are vistable locations in London and a look at the constant byplay, far more than simple friendship, between the two heroes. With character bios and notes on all the unseen cases, this book bursts with references for Sherlock's fans, those who know the century of lore and those who are yet to begin it.

Joss Whedon has much to teach his fans, as he unfurls epics of sacrifice and heroism for superheroes and ordinary people. Firefly, like Alien: Resurrection, was his anti-authoritarian dystopia, while Buffy the Vampire Slayer emphasized girl power and individuality in a world of monsters. Dollhouse tackled identity, memory and the soul, reaching from fantasy into philosophy, just as The Cabin in the Woods satirized the nebulous "Greater Good." Now, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Avengers explore heroism, teamwork, and personal responsibility. Whedon has independent works too, all explored from the paranormal romance film In Your Eyes to his feminist skits for Equality Now. In comics, such as X-Men, Runaways, Sugarshock, and Buffy, he explores unconventional teams and chosen families. From Angel's quest for faith and redemption in a world of nihilism to the smaller stories of family and friendships in The Office, Glee, Parenthood, and Roseanne, not to mention Much Ado About Nothing, Whedon offers lessons to improve the world and our roles within it. This book compares themes, motifs, and archetypes across all his works, teasing out the common threads and the messages within.

Adoring fans have explored much about Harry Potter, especially his classic hero's journey. However, many don't notice how the other characters suffer through the same struggle at every stage of life - one Dumbledore and Neville Longbottom pass but Draco Malfoy and Voldemort do not. Exploding into the Wizarding World in 2016, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child offered an unusual double hero's journey for Albus Severus and Scorpius and a twisted antiheroine's journey for Delphi. This book demystifies all these, unveiling the nostalgic symbolism behind the play's auguries, baby blankets, and time-turners. 2016 also introduced Ilvermorney, the American Hogwarts, and its valiant, loving founder Isolt Sayre. Uncovering her folklore and symbolism reveals a secret war between the Celtic old world and the bold pioneer spirit of the new. Meanwhile, Rowling's original characters overturn Greek, Roman, Norse, and Celtic myths, even as Harry unites King Arthur's hallows and claims the sword as destined king. Revisioning folklore from England to Africa is one of Rowling's talents, especially in Beedle the Bard. Rowling also nods to history, from Voldemort's World War II childhood and Nazi prejudice to the dazzling glitter of the 1920s, setting for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. For serious fans, an entire world of mythology waits below the surface of the ever-expanding Potterverse.

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, the 2018 Netflix show, takes many characters and themes from the beloved eighties cartoon. Nonetheless, clear distinctions appear in the more body-positive, diversity-friendly modern show, that avoid all the sexualized Barbie shapes and body builder physiques of the past. More interestingly, this version blurs the lines between friends and enemies as it carries young Adora on a precarious journey to face the family, now her enemies, whom she cannot bear to leave. With this, it adapts the classic heroine's journey for a new audience, reframing the adored characters and showcasing the stories a new generation wants to tell.