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In this seminar, we will have a look at American Gothic fiction, one of the most popular genres in American literature from the time of Independence to the present. After an introduction to the genre of Gothic fiction, its traditions and developments, as well as to subgenres like Southern Gothic, we will discuss differences between American Gothic fiction and its European predecessors/counterparts. Previous to our discussion of primary texts, students will be provided with a selection of theoretical readings, helping to define terms and concepts important for Gothic fiction. In the seminar discussion, we will identify typical features and elements of Gothic literature and discuss their relevance: How is the uncanny, unknown or irrational constructed? How do spooky Southern plantations, mysterious mansions or thunderstorms feature in the texts? What is the function of sinister strangers, ghosts, vampires or monsters? Is a belief in rationality and progress oppositional to Gothic’s skepticism and irrationality or is this the other side of the same coin? In what ways can Gothic be read as giving voice to suppressed groups or representation of silenced/marginalized themes like slavery or discrimination? The main focus of analysis will be on the way horror, terror and/or suspense are constructed in the texts. Our primary texts will include short stories from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown over to Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher to recent fiction from Joyce Carol Oates and Jewell Gomez.
Course Reader: The short stories and a selection of secondary material will be made available in form of a reader which you can purchase through our office.
Requirements:
Class participation, including reading assignments and discussion, a short presentation in class and a seminar paper. |
