Hardcore Literature Ep 70 - Gothic Literature and the Rise of the Vampire
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Oct 29, 2023 Delve into the eerie world of Gothic literature, tracing its origins from 'The Castle of Otranto' to the iconic vampire tale 'Dracula'. Explore the impact of the French Revolution and Victorian anxieties on the genre, and uncover dark themes like societal collapse, sexuality, and fears of medical advancements. Engage in a deep analysis of Bram Stoker's Dracula and the intertwined elements of sexuality, identity, and religious symbolism within the novel.
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Birth of the Gothic
- The Gothic emerged in 1764 with Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto, blending ancient and modern romance.
- This created tension between improbable tales and the uncanny sense of realism.
Gothic's High and Low Forms
- Early Gothic novels blended high and low literary forms, like sublime descriptions alongside sensational events.
- This reflects their position between high literature and popular entertainment.
Gothic's Flourishing Periods
- The Gothic flourished at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, often focusing on decay and decadence.
- Dr. James Methven called the Gothic "a kind of perverted male quest romance."