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She Wore Black
E93: Grady Hendrix on Vintage Gothic Romance
Sep 14, 2023
Grady Hendrix, author of vintage horror novels from the 1970s and 80s, discusses vintage gothic romances and their intersection with horror. Topics include the influence of television shows like Buffy and The X-Files on the perception of horror, the similarities between gothic romances and fairy tales, the relationship between the genre and women's rights, and the shift in the portrayal of sex in post-WWII literature. The speakers also explore the taboo themes of incest in forbidden gothic romance novels and discuss the value of collaborative writing.
01:08:31
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Quick takeaways
- Gothic romances combined elements of romance and horror, providing readers with a sense of familiarity and comfort while navigating high-stakes situations through the eyes of vulnerable female protagonists.
- During the 1980s, gothic romances evolved to incorporate darker and more complex storylines, challenging traditional conventions and exploring themes of queerness, unconventional family dynamics, and sexuality.
Deep dives
The Influence and Appeal of Gothic Romances
Gothic romances, also known as women running from houses, are a genre that combines elements of romance and horror. These novels, popular in the 1960s and 1970s, explored the link between romance and horror, often featuring vulnerable female protagonists navigating strange and dangerous situations. The covers of these books, depicting women running from ominous houses, became iconic and branded the genre. Gothic romances provided readers with a sense of familiarity and comfort, while also allowing them to navigate high-stakes situations through the eyes of the main characters. The genre offered a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and, in some cases, supernatural elements. It was through this combination that gothic romances became a timeless and influential genre in literature.
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