04-08-2013, 09:46 AM
Hi Everyone,
I'm currently starting my research for my MA dissertation and I will be focusing on contemporary Gothic literature. More specifically gender and the concept of femininity and how contemporary Gothic authors tackle femininity within a contemporary Gothic framework. Whereas femininity in traditional Gothic was bound to ideas of innocence, weakness, defencelessness, naivity, I want to explore how literature accounts for society's clear progression towards far more nuanced ideas of gender - or simply that having a defenceless and vulnerable heroine is no longer assumed or even acceptable. Gender no longer defines strength etc.
I'm starting by looking out for recent novels which could both be described as Gothic whilst also featuring interesting/ different/ strong female characters.
If any one has any suggestions I would love to hear them!
I'm currently starting my research for my MA dissertation and I will be focusing on contemporary Gothic literature. More specifically gender and the concept of femininity and how contemporary Gothic authors tackle femininity within a contemporary Gothic framework. Whereas femininity in traditional Gothic was bound to ideas of innocence, weakness, defencelessness, naivity, I want to explore how literature accounts for society's clear progression towards far more nuanced ideas of gender - or simply that having a defenceless and vulnerable heroine is no longer assumed or even acceptable. Gender no longer defines strength etc.
I'm starting by looking out for recent novels which could both be described as Gothic whilst also featuring interesting/ different/ strong female characters.
If any one has any suggestions I would love to hear them!