Genre and Reception in the Gothic Parody: Framing the Subversive Heroine

This book explores the theoretical connection between genre, reception, and frame theory through a collection of parodies of the Gothic novel, tracing the development of socio-political debates on female roles from the Gothic novel to the Gothic parody. It combines literary criticism and Gothic studies to provide a fresh perspective on an ongoing debate and an in-depth study of a neglected aspect of Gothic studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book seamlessly weaves together an insightful analysis of the theoretical interplay between genre, reception, and frame theory, accompanied by a practical demonstration of this connection. Through a delightful array of parodies of the first wave of the Gothic novel, encompassing both well-known masterpieces like Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey and lesser-known and researched treasures like Mary Charlotte's Rosella, Münderlein skillfully unravels the evolution of socio-political debates that took place in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries concerning female roles, behavior, and subversion. By seamlessly combining two prominent fields of research, literary criticism and Gothic studies, this book offers not only a fresh perspective on an ongoing debate within literary criticism but also a comprehensive exploration of a largely overlooked aspect of Gothic studies—the Gothic parody.

The Gothic novel, with its haunting tales of suspense and horror, has long captivated readers, and Münderlein's book takes us on a fascinating journey through its evolution. By examining a range of Gothic novels, from the classic works of Jane Austen to lesser-known titles, Münderlein highlights the ways in which these works have shaped societal attitudes towards women and gender roles. Through his analysis, he demonstrates how the Gothic parody, a subgenre that emerged in response to the popularity of the Gothic novel, played a crucial role in challenging and subverting these attitudes.

One of the key themes that Münderlein explores is the notion of female agency and empowerment. In the Gothic novel, women are often portrayed as victims or objects of male desire, but Münderlein shows how the Gothic parody challenged these stereotypes by giving women the power to control their own destinies. Through their bravery, intelligence, and resilience, female characters in the Gothic parody defied the expectations of society and emerged as strong and independent figures.

Another important aspect of Münderlein's book is the role of the Gothic novel in shaping cultural anxieties and fears. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, there was a growing sense of uncertainty and anxiety about the rapidly changing world, and the Gothic novel provided a way for readers to confront these fears and anxieties. By exploring the themes of horror, death, and the supernatural, the Gothic novel offered a means of exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown.

However, Münderlein also points out that the Gothic parody was not without its limitations. While it offered a means of subverting societal norms and challenging gender roles, it was often limited by the constraints of the genre itself. Many Gothic parodies relied on traditional Gothic tropes and stereotypes, which could be repetitive and formulaic. Additionally, some Gothic parodies were criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and attitudes towards women.

Despite these limitations, Münderlein's book is a valuable contribution to the field of Gothic studies. By combining theoretical analysis with practical demonstration, he provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between genre, reception, and frame theory. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of literature, history, and cultural studies, as well as anyone who enjoys a good Gothic tale.

In conclusion, Münderlein's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Gothic novel, reception, and frame theory. Through his insightful analysis and practical demonstration, he offers a fresh perspective on an ongoing debate within literary criticism and a comprehensive exploration of a largely overlooked aspect of Gothic studies—the Gothic parody. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of literature, history, and cultural studies, as well as anyone who enjoys a good Gothic tale.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032154350