Gothic Death 1740-1914: A Literary History

The Gothic death 1740-1914 explores the representations of death and dying in Gothic narratives, focusing on Graveyard Poetry, the tradition of the elegy, melancholy, Poe, Emily Brontë, George Eliot, Dickens, Haggard, Stoker, Wilde, and Machen. It examines the shift from writing death to interpreting the signs of death and how scientific ideas contextualize a fin de siècle model of death.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 25 June 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Gothic Death 1740-1914 delves into the captivating representations of death and the process of dying within Gothic narratives that emerged between the mid-eighteenth century and the onset of the First World War. This scholarly exploration examines the profound influence of eighteenth-century Graveyard Poetry and the tradition of the elegy on shaping a distinctive perception of death, which in turn played a crucial role in shaping concepts of empathy and guiding the structure of textual compositions. As the narrative progresses, later accounts of melancholy, exemplified by the works of authors such as Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley, emphasize the literary construction of death. Furthermore, the study explores the transition from writing about death to interpreting the subtle signs and symbols associated with it, drawing connections to the influential works of Poe, Emily Brontë, and George Eliot.

In a separate chapter, the text delves into the significance of graves and capital punishment during the Gothic period. It sheds light on the cultural and societal attitudes towards death and the role these elements played in shaping the narratives of the time. Moving forward, the chapter on Haggard, Stoker, and Wilde explores the intricate connections between love and death, delving into the emotional complexities and moral dilemmas that arise in these narratives. Finally, the concluding chapter on Machen and Stoker examines how scientific ideas of the period contribute to contextualizing a specific fin de siècle model of death.

Through its comprehensive analysis, Gothic Death 1740-1914 offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the representations of death and dying in Gothic literature, shedding light on the cultural, social, and literary factors that shaped this fascinating genre.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526131911