01-06-2011, 08:00 PM
I so have to echo Random here. It's hard to remember these days, but those of us of a certain age (cough, cough) grew up in a time when the only characters in fiction who had adventures and accomplished things were male. The intelligent, independent heroine who relied on her wits rather than her beauty is so appealing.
The other thing that's so wonderful about Gothic romance is that the heroine tames a very dangerous male. This is true to some extent in romance but even more so in Gothics. He may, literally, cause her death (or in the case of Jane Eyre, he may cause her to lose her integrity, which for her is almost worse than death).
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.
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The other thing that's so wonderful about Gothic romance is that the heroine tames a very dangerous male. This is true to some extent in romance but even more so in Gothics. He may, literally, cause her death (or in the case of Jane Eyre, he may cause her to lose her integrity, which for her is almost worse than death).
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.
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(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!
