Adaptation Odyssey: Tracing the Evolution of Postcolonial Narrative from Fiction, Film to Digital Gaming

Abstract

The vibrant advancement of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is observed in this essay through an ongoing process of modification and alteration. The novella, which first appeared in 1902 and was based on Conrad’s experiences in the Congo in the 1890s, has subsequently been the subject of numerous adaptations that have sparked debates and criticisms.
As a Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe engaged in a thoughtful analysis of the novella, scrutinizing it for potential instances of racism. Conversely, Francis Ford Coppola fearlessly reimagined the narrative within the context of the Vietnam War in his film “Apocalypse Now.”This cinematic adaptation, in turn, influenced computer game narratives, notably seen in Far Cry 2. The study follows the path from a detached and passive reading of the novella Heart of Darkness to an active involvement in morally dubious choices and virtual war crimes through digital gaming.. The study reflects on whether the interactive nature of digital games impacts the audience’s sense of immersion and responsibility, particularly within diverse narrative contexts. Additionally, the paper provides a unique perspective on storytelling and retelling by scrutinizing how Conrad’s narrative has transformed across various mediums. A comparative analysis of the original source material and its adaptations explores the interplay between historical facts and fictional elements, examining how the narrative distortion generates new layers of meaning. Ultimately, this comparative exploration serves as a lens through which we can comprehend the dynamic relationship between adaptation, interpretation, and the evolving perceptions of our world.