Tales of the Troubled Dead: Ghost Stories in Cultural History

Ghost stories appeal to our uneasy relationship with conventional good sense, tracing a ghostly trail from Homer to the present day. Catherine Belsey explores the genre's history, including Shakespeare's Ghost in Hamlet, and its influence on later writing. Recent blockbusting movies also bring us fragments of news from the unknown.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2019
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Ghost stories have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times and continuing to captivate audiences today. Catherine Belsey's answer to the question of what ghosts want in our storytelling traces Gothic writing and tales of the uncanny from the ancient past to the present, from Homer and the Icelandic sagas to Lincoln in the Bardo. She uncovers the old stories that the play relies on and its influence on later writing, charting a ghostly trail through accredited records of apparitions and fiction by writers such as Ann Radcliffe, Washington Irving, Emily Bront, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry James, M. R. James, and Susan Hill. In recent blockbusting movies, ghost stories bring us fragments of news from the unknown, providing a glimpse into the unknown and the supernatural.

One of the key aspects of ghost stories is their ability to appeal to our uneasy relationship with conventional good sense. Ghosts are often depicted as mysterious, enigmatic, and even threatening, and they can evoke a sense of fear and anxiety in readers. This fear is often heightened by the fact that ghosts are often associated with death, decay, and the supernatural.

Ghost stories also often explore the themes of loss, grief, and redemption. Ghosts can represent the past, present, and future, and they can help us to confront our own mortality and the fragility of life. They can also provide a sense of closure and resolution to a story, as the protagonist may confront their fears and overcome them.

Ghost stories can be written in a variety of genres, including horror, mystery, and fantasy. Horror stories are typically focused on the fear and terror of the supernatural, while mystery stories are focused on the investigation of a crime or mystery. Fantasy stories are typically focused on the imagination and the supernatural, and they can include elements such as magic, dragons, and elves.

One of the most famous ghost stories of all time is "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson. This story follows a group of people who move into a haunted house and are haunted by a ghostly presence. The story is known for its atmospheric writing, its suspenseful plot, and its terrifying characters.

Another famous ghost story is "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James. This story follows a young governess who is hired to care for a young boy who is believed to be possessed by a ghost. The story is known for its psychological depth and its unsettling atmosphere.

Ghost stories can also be adapted into other media, such as film, television, and video games. These adaptations can often be more successful than the original story, as they can bring the story to a wider audience and can provide a more immersive experience.

However, ghost stories can also be controversial. Some people believe that ghosts are real, while others believe that they are a figment of the imagination. This debate has been ongoing for centuries, and it has led to a variety of different interpretations of ghost stories.

One of the challenges of writing a ghost story is creating a believable and compelling story. Ghost stories often rely on a combination of psychological and supernatural elements, and it can be difficult to balance these elements in a way that is both believable and entertaining.

Another challenge of writing a ghost story is creating a sense of atmosphere. Ghost stories often take place in dark and spooky settings, and it can be difficult to create a sense of tension and fear without relying on excessive gore or violence.

Despite these challenges, ghost stories continue to be popular and influential. They can provide a unique and exciting way to explore the unknown and the supernatural, and they can help us to confront our own fears and anxieties.

In conclusion, ghost stories have a long and rich history, and they continue to captivate audiences today. Catherine Belsey's answer to the question of what ghosts want in our storytelling traces Gothic writing and tales of the uncanny from the ancient past to the present, from Homer and the Icelandic sagas to Lincoln in the Bardo. Ghost stories appeal to our uneasy relationship with conventional good sense by exploring the themes of loss, grief, and redemption, and by creating a sense of atmosphere and tension. While ghost stories can be controversial, they continue to be popular and influential, and they can provide a unique and exciting way to explore the unknown and the supernatural.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 216 x 139 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474417372