(08-24-2010, 01:51 PM)bianca_notte Wrote: Hi everyone!

I’m currently researching for an Extended Project Qualification on the origins and appeal of Gothic Romance literature, and in particular it's place in the world of literature today. As contemporary readers (and, in some cases, writers) of this genre, I’d be really grateful if some of you could give me an insight into why you like this genre. Is there anything that, for you, characterises the genre, and sets it apart from others?

What for you is the appeal of reading Gothic Romance? Do you think it appeals more to people of a certain gender or age? In your opinion, do people view it as a serious form of literature, or merely as a light, enjoyable read?

Recently there has been an influx of popular novels, films and TV series’ about vampires, werewolves and other supernatural concepts, following the ‘Twilight’ phenomenon. Do you see this as a welcome revival of the genre to the modern teenage conscience? Or maybe you think it is spoiling hundreds of years of tradition?

And finally, how do you view the portrayal of women within Gothic Romance literature? In the past, authors have been accused of only creating 2-dimensional female characters that conform to the stereotype of either the ‘damsel in distress’ or the ‘femme fetale’ – how far do you agree with this criticism?

Obviously, these are just guidelines, and any opinions/comments anyone would like to make outside of this would also be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

(08-24-2010, 01:51 PM)bianca_notte Wrote: Hi everyone!

I’m currently researching for an Extended Project Qualification on the origins and appeal of Gothic Romance literature, and in particular it's place in the world of literature today. As contemporary readers (and, in some cases, writers) of this genre, I’d be really grateful if some of you could give me an insight into why you like this genre. Is there anything that, for you, characterises the genre, and sets it apart from others?

What for you is the appeal of reading Gothic Romance? Do you think it appeals more to people of a certain gender or age? In your opinion, do people view it as a serious form of literature, or merely as a light, enjoyable read?

Recently there has been an influx of popular novels, films and TV series’ about vampires, werewolves and other supernatural concepts, following the ‘Twilight’ phenomenon. Do you see this as a welcome revival of the genre to the modern teenage conscience? Or maybe you think it is spoiling hundreds of years of tradition?

And finally, how do you view the portrayal of women within Gothic Romance literature? In the past, authors have been accused of only creating 2-dimensional female characters that conform to the stereotype of either the ‘damsel in distress’ or the ‘femme fetale’ – how far do you agree with this criticism?

Obviously, these are just guidelines, and any opinions/comments anyone would like to make outside of this would also be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

(01-06-2011, 08:00 PM)Alice Gaines Wrote: As far as vampires and werewolves...they've gone so far afield from the original they're a whole different animal. I don't consider them relevant to Gothics. I don't worry about Twilight. It is what it is and has no effect on me.

(08-24-2010, 01:51 PM)bianca_notte Wrote: Hi everyone!

I’m currently researching for an Extended Project Qualification on the origins and appeal of Gothic Romance literature, and in particular it's place in the world of literature today.

I find that I enjoy gothic novels now in my middle-age as much as I did when I was a girl. I liked different styles at diferent types, depending on my mood or the availability. As English is not my native language, most of the books I'd enjoy was impossible to find. Nowadays I can find almost everything - I rejoice in this

I'm aware that novels in general were regarded as light reading, I remember a time when I was advised to choose improving books, but I've descarded this notion as too mind-restricting. I don't try to censure my reading, whatever feels right, thrilling and enjoyable is welcome, provided it's well written and interesting.

Literature is never static, in my opinion. Today's reading is mostly influenced by what's on the movies or on the tube. Reading books on the supernatural (vampires/werewolves etc.) felt queer at first, but I quickly came to like it, depending upon the quality of the book, of course. Cann't really tell whether these books will stand the test of time, though, as many classic gothic have done.

I suspect their success was based partly on this rather flat portrayal of women readers felt comfortable with the stereotypes. This is essential in gothic romances: the atmosphere may be as weird and as stimulating as possible but the feeling of cosiness is always there.

(02-10-2011, 03:49 PM)romanticdress Wrote: Katy, sorry if this sounds preachy, but... "guilty" of mental illness? It´s hardly a crime of being ill!