An Analysis of the Presence of Literature in The Simpsons

Abstract

The highly-acclaimed American TV show known as The Simpsons has become a referent in the development of several studies related to a variety of disciplines. Notwithstanding, little attention has been devoted to the impact of literature on this program. The central issue addressed in this paper, then, is the way in which literature is frequently presented within these cartoons. Given this orientation, it will be convenient to explain the concept of intertextuality together with the different ways in which this notion normally operates within the series. Special attention will be paid to three canonical authors, namely Mark Twain, William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe. A major trait will be given to the classic works Hamlet and “The Raven” by Shakespeare and Poe, respectively. The analysis will conclude with the assets and drawbacks that can be derived from the study of literature along with The Simpsons