‘Mexican Gothic’ was published in 2020 and was written by Silvio Moreno-Garcia. Upon its publication its popularity quickly soared, and many likened the novel to the works of Guillermo del Toro and Daphne du Maurier. The novel opens with young heroine Noemí receiving a disturbing letter from her cousin Catalina. Catalina fears that her husband,Continue reading “‘Mexican Gothic’ and Decay”
Tag Archives: Gothic
Race Relations in American Literature: 1850-2009
Relations between black people and white people has been a relevant and important topic, now more than ever. The issue has been discussed and critiqued in works of American fiction, beginning in the 1850’s with ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin.’ These novels, generally speaking, reflected peoples’ perceptions of race relations at the time of their publication, andContinue reading “Race Relations in American Literature: 1850-2009”
The Corrupting Presence of Rebecca de Winter in ‘Rebecca’
Given the the title of du Maurier’s most famous work it is unsurprising that Rebecca dominates the entire plot, like some sort of Gothic spectre. Although she is dead, she manages to corrupt all characters, and the physical house of Manderley, while being corrupted herself. Rhododendrons are mentioned throughout the text, and they grow overContinue reading “The Corrupting Presence of Rebecca de Winter in ‘Rebecca’”
‘Rebecca’ Chapter One: An Analysis
‘Rebecca’ was published in 1938 and is Daphne Du Maurier’s most influential novel. Throughout the novel, the unnamed narrator describes her life with her new husband, Mr de Winter, and begins to realise that he, and her marital home, are haunted by Mr de Winter’s previous wife. The novel opens with the iconic line: ‘lastContinue reading “‘Rebecca’ Chapter One: An Analysis”
‘Spencer’ 2021: An Analysis
This post contains spoilers for the 2021 film ‘Spencer.’ Pablo Larraín’s latest biopic, which focuses on the late Princess of Wales, has been lauded by critics and caused quite a stir. Those who would be expecting something similar to ‘The Crown’ will be in for a surprise. The film does not just follow the Princess,Continue reading “‘Spencer’ 2021: An Analysis”
The Ghostly Cycle in ‘A Tale of Two Cities,’ ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘Rip Van Winkle’
Perhaps no character is ‘recalled to life’ so forcefully as the Headless Horseman in Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820). The Horseman returns to the land of the living but does so without his head. In losing his head, he is physically deprived of an integral part of his being, and is thereforeContinue reading “The Ghostly Cycle in ‘A Tale of Two Cities,’ ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and ‘Rip Van Winkle’”
The Other in ‘Beloved’ and ‘Under the Skin’
The concept of the Other refers to something, or someone, that is dissimilar to the norm and outside of the realm of the familiar.[1] What is exclusively classed as the Other in both novels is not so clearly defined. This complexity prompts the reader to question what truly is the Other, and in turn, whatContinue reading “The Other in ‘Beloved’ and ‘Under the Skin’”
Dickens and the classic Victorian Christmas
Dickens and the classic Victorian image of Christmas are inextricably linked, mostly because of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Published in 1843, the book sold 6000 copies in five days, and became massively popular. First editions today sell for ten to fifteen thousand pounds. Dickens is often credited with creating Christmas, but it is more accurate toContinue reading “Dickens and the classic Victorian Christmas”
Cathy’s ‘I am Heathcliff!’ Speech: An Analysis
Cathy’s ‘I am Heathcliff!’ speech, is probably the most iconic declaration of love in literature. It is so long that it should probably be classed as a series of speeches. I certainly found it powerful and overwhelming, which leads me to believe that at the heart of ‘Wuthering Heights’ is a story about a loveContinue reading “Cathy’s ‘I am Heathcliff!’ Speech: An Analysis”
Ambrosio and Irony in ‘The Monk’
‘The Monk’ is a pretty crazy book, it grabs you by the throat and does not let go. It is not afraid to tackle difficult topics, and covers murder, corruption and incest in its monastic setting. It was difficult to write this and choose one topic to focus on, but I do feel that theContinue reading “Ambrosio and Irony in ‘The Monk’”
Khambay's Words, Words, Words 