What works come to mind when you think of Gothic literature? This dark and macabre genre features many authors who might surprise you, including Shakespeare. In episode 64, Julia O'Connell, author of the Gothic Library blog, joins us to discuss the roots of Gothic literature and its evolution into various genres.
We explore defining characteristics, its origins, and influential works such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula. The conversation delves into significant Gothic tropes, including the monstrous man and the vulnerable woman. Additionally, we examine folk horror and weird fiction through the lens of authors like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, as well as the contributions of overlooked women authors in the field. It's a fascinating and entertaining listen that you won't want to miss!
Links:
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The Gothic Library Blog
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Backlog of video lectures hosted by Romancing the Gothic, which you can find here (There's quite a few involving folklore!)
Handheld Press Scroll to the bottom, you'll find a list of the "Ten Weirds to rule them all"--the 10 anthologies of weird fiction they've published.
The first Gothic novel: The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole
Librivox (website/app for free public domain audiobooks):
Timeline
📚 Defining Gothic Literature (09:32 - 20:08)
Gothic literature characteristics ;Common tropes: ; Origins: Late 18th century, reaction against Enlightenment; Horace Walpole's 'The Castle of Otranto' (1764) considered first Gothic novel;
🏰 Gothic Elements and Cultural Context (20:09 - 31:21)
Gothic literature coincides with French Revolution, Industrial Revolution; Gothic architecture influences literature (e.g., crumbling abbeys as settings); Goth subculture connection
👻 Gothic Tropes and Folklore (31:22 - 42:55)
Bluebeard folktale influential in Gothic literature; Jane Eyre and Rebecca as examples of Bluebeard influence;
🌿 Folk Horror and Modern Gothic (42:55 - 51:40)
Folk horror defined as horror drawing on regional folklore, folk religion, customs;
🌀 Weird Fiction (51:41 - 01:01:38)
Subgenre of speculative fiction, often blending horror and science fiction; Flourished in late 1800s to mid-1900s; H.P. Lovecraft
📖 Short Stories and New Weird (01:01:38 - 01:10:46)
Importance of short stories in Gothic and weird fiction; New Weird: bringing weird fiction into 21st century
🕯️ Exploring Gothic and Weird Fiction (01:10:46 - 01:22:42)
Edgar Allan Poe's contributions to weird fiction;
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