Some might consider the 'Avengers' series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as modern day epic stories. It brings together a large group of superheroes with their own unique abilities and backstories. They face global and even universal threats like Thanos. There are epic battles, character arcs, and a sense of an overarching story that spans multiple movies, making it a modern epic in the superhero genre.
One example is the story of Malala Yousafzai. She defied the Taliban in Pakistan to fight for girls' education. Despite being shot in the head by the Taliban, she survived and continued her advocacy on a global scale. Her courage makes her an epic hero in modern times.
Another is 'West Side Story'. It's inspired by 'Romeo and Juliet'. The feuding families are replaced by rival gangs in New York City. The story of star - crossed lovers remains, but with a more contemporary backdrop, different cultures, and the added element of social commentary on issues like immigration and discrimination.
In a political context, a politician who is overly eager for power may be seen as a modern - day Macbeth. He might make underhanded deals, manipulate the media, and sacrifice the well - being of his constituents all in the name of climbing the political ladder. For instance, he could promise things during his campaign that he has no intention of fulfilling just to get elected.
One example could be stories of people inheriting family land or property in modern times. It might involve the challenges they face in maintaining or making decisions about it. Another could be the inheritance of a family business. The heir has to deal with modern market competition and changing consumer demands while carrying on the family legacy.
One modern day horror story could be about cyberstalking. A person's every move online is monitored by an unknown entity, their personal information leaked, and they start receiving threats. Another could be the horror of living in a polluted environment where the air is so bad it makes people sick, and the water is undrinkable. There are also stories about identity theft, where someone wakes up to find their entire financial life in ruins because a criminal has stolen their identity.
One example could be the movie 'The Lion King'. Simba's situation has some parallels to Hamlet. His father is killed unjustly, and he is haunted by his father's death and has to face the usurper, Scar, much like Hamlet has to deal with Claudius. Another example might be in some modern political dramas where a young heir to power has to avenge the death of a family member while navigating a corrupt political system.
Another modern day torture story is about the abuse of detainees in certain conflict zones. There have been accounts of detainees being subjected to physical beatings, sleep deprivation, and other forms of cruel treatment. These actions violate basic human rights and international laws.
Some epic modern novels include 'Infinite Jest' by David Foster Wallace. It's a complex and sprawling work that delves into themes like addiction, entertainment, and the search for meaning in a post - modern world. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, while set in a fictional fantasy world, has had a huge impact on modern literature and is an epic in terms of its world - building, character development, and the grandeur of its story. 'A Passage to India' by E.M. Forster is also an important epic modern novel that examines the relationships between the British and Indians during the colonial era, exploring themes of race, culture, and misunderstanding.
The lives of some Hollywood stars can also be seen as modern day Great Gatsby stories. They have large estates, throw extravagant parties, and are constantly in the public eye. There are often stories of unrequited love and the pursuit of the unattainable. Take a young starlet who is new to Hollywood and gets caught up in the web of an older, more established actor. She may be drawn to his fame and fortune, while he may be using her for her youth and beauty, much like the relationships in 'The Great Gatsby'.
In some African regions, there are extremist groups that target Christian communities. They may attack churches, kidnap or harm Christian clergy and believers. These acts of violence are clear examples of modern - day Christian persecution. The reasons often involve political and religious ideology clashes, where the extremists see Christianity as a threat to their own beliefs or power structures.