Gothic Voices: The Vococentric Soundworld of Gothic Writing

This Element explores the concept of vococentric Gothic in Gothic literature, focusing on the voice as an uncanny, monstrous, or seductive object. It draws inspiration from sonic Gothic studies and psychoanalytic object voice theory and demonstrates the persistence of these vocal motifs across time and intermedia forms. Gothic Voices provides the first dedicated account of voices of terror and horror in the Gothic mode from the Romantic period to today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking element offers fresh perspectives on the auditory landscape of Gothic literature. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of Isabella van Elferen in the field of sonic Gothic studies, as well as from Mladen Dolar's insightful exploration of the psychoanalytic object voice, this study introduces the critical category of vococentric Gothic into Gothic scholarship. By doing so, it delves into significant moments in Gothic fiction where the voice emerges as an uncanny, monstrous, or seductive object. With a strong historical foundation, the range of readings presented showcases the enduring presence of these vocal motifs across different eras and intermedia forms, spanning from the Gothic romance to contemporary Gothic and including literature, film, and podcasts. Gothic Voices, therefore, emerges as the first dedicated exploration of the evolution of voices of terror and horror within the Gothic mode, spanning from the Romantic period to the present day.

Introduction:
Gothic literature has long captivated readers with its eerie and atmospheric storytelling, often featuring elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural. One of the most distinctive features of Gothic literature is its use of sound, which plays a crucial role in creating the immersive and unsettling atmosphere that characterizes the genre. In this essay, we will explore the role of sound in Gothic literature and its impact on the reader's experience.

The Use of Sound in Gothic Literature:
Gothic literature relies heavily on sound to create a sense of foreboding and tension. The use of silence, whispers, and other eerie sounds can create a sense of unease and discomfort, while the use of loud, dramatic music and sound effects can heighten the sense of fear and excitement. Authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Mary Shelley were masters of using sound to create a Gothic atmosphere, and their works continue to be influential today.

The Influence of Gothic Literature on Popular Culture:
Gothic literature has had a significant impact on popular culture, particularly in the fields of film, music, and literature. The popularity of Gothic films such as "The Silence of the Lambs" and "The Shining" has led to a renewed interest in the genre, while the music of bands such as Bauhaus and The Cure has been influenced by the dark and atmospheric soundscapes of Gothic literature.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, sound plays a crucial role in Gothic literature, creating a sense of foreboding, tension, and fear that helps to define the genre. The use of sound by authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Mary Shelley has had a lasting impact on popular culture, and their works continue to be celebrated and studied today.

ISBN-13: 9781009162562