Introduction: bad infuences and gothic realities -- Part one: Gothic threats. The threat in the gothic's foundation: from John Locke to Horace Walpole -- Gothic threats and cultural hierarchy: the critical evaluation of The monk and The mysteries of Udolpho -- Part two: Gothic sexualities. Pathological reproduction: the emergence of homosexuality through nineteenth century gothic fiction -- Romps in the closet: the persistence of nineteenth century notions in contemporary pop culture -- Part three: Gothic ghosts. Ghost stories and ghostly belief: conventional horrors that make good truths -- Ghost epistemology: five or six ways to haunt the senses -- Part four: Gothic violence. Fictions that kill: Columbine, Virginia Tech, and Stephen King's only out-of-print novel -- Violent self-refection: Natural born killers, Wes Craven's Nightmares, and torture porn.
Summary:
"Early literary critics feared Gothic's potential to corrupt youth, inspire deviant sexuality, instill heretical beliefs, and encourage antisocial violence. This book examines Gothic and horror fictions over the last three centuries, from their literary foundations to the influence on modern popular culture. Topics covered include homosexuality, interest in paranormal research, and violent school shootings"--Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.