Intertextual reference to Winnie the Pooh: A study on the effects of Disney and Soviet adaptations on the perception of A. A. Milne’s book

This research is grounded on a comparative intertextual analysis of A. A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” narrative and the Disney and Soviet cartoons inspired by it. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the way of a subsequent original source text reading (A. A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh”) nature differs qualitatively and empirically if a Disney or Soviet animated version of “Winnie the Pooh” is employed as the ur-text (source text). The identification of the phenomenon entailed conducting a comparative analysis of the narrative form and its corresponding animated versions. The analysis was undertaken with a particular emphasis on the aspects of characters, their appearance and plot. This intertextual analysis was further enriched by a historical and genealogical background, providing valuable contextual insights that are often overlooked in comparative studies. The novelty of the research resides in the examination of the characters, their appearance and plot in these adaptations, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of how they interpret and reinterpret the original narrative. The study adopts a unique methodology by employing Disney or Soviet cartoons as the primary source material, diverging from the conventional approach of relying on A. A. Milne’s original book. Importantly, the research also acknowledged the limitations of adaptations, suggesting that reliance on cartoons can lead to a partial understanding of the original text. Put differently, the study’s findings indicate that the utilization of Disney or Soviet cartoons as a primary source material may hinder a comprehensive perception and understanding of the original text features. Conversely, it can result in the perception of the original texts in a distinct spirit and nature. Overall, this study’s innovative approach and findings contribute to the fields of comparative literature and adaptation studies.