This paper starts by defining characteristic traits of Gothic Literature and the concept of liminality, and explains how both can be linked together. It then analyses how both Gothic and liminal traits are intertwined in Seamus Deane's "Reading in the Dark" and how they work to create the novel's defining hopeless, gloomy atmosphere. Also, this paper analyses how characters use liminal techniques to communicate unspeakable truths, yet ultimately fail to escape the liminal space they occupy.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- The Concept of Liminality
- The Usage of Liminality in Gothic Novels
- Liminality in Reading in the Dark
- The Time
- The Places
- The Supernatural
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the concept of liminality and its application to the genre of Gothic fiction, specifically through an analysis of Seamus Deane's novel, "Reading in the Dark". It aims to demonstrate how liminality, as a state of transition and ambiguity, manifests within the text, exploring its impact on both characters and narrative structure.
- Liminality as a concept and its significance in various fields
- The interplay of liminality and Gothic genre conventions
- The portrayal of liminal spaces in Gothic novels
- The role of liminality in character development and psychological exploration
- The use of liminality to convey themes of uncertainty, transformation, and the supernatural
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter delves into the definition and history of liminality as a concept, outlining its significance in anthropological studies, social transitions, and psychological analysis. The second chapter examines the intersection of liminality with the Gothic genre, analyzing how its conventions, themes, and aesthetics align with the concept of in-betweenness and transition.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Liminality, Gothic Fiction, Transition, Ambiguity, Uncertainty, Transformation, Supernatural, Psychological Journey, Reading in the Dark, Seamus Deane, Derry Gothic, Family Secrets, Trauma, Class Conflict, Ideological Struggles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the concept of liminality?
Liminality refers to a state of transition, ambiguity, or being 'in-between' two stages, often associated with rituals, social changes, or psychological journeys.
How is liminality connected to Gothic literature?
In Gothic fiction, liminality manifests through settings like ruins or borders and themes of uncertainty, where the line between the natural and supernatural is blurred.
What liminal spaces are found in 'Reading in the Dark'?
The novel explores liminality through its specific settings in Derry, the portrayal of time, and the presence of the supernatural, creating a gloomy and hopeless atmosphere.
How do characters use liminal techniques to communicate?
Characters often use ambiguous or indirect methods to convey 'unspeakable' truths about family secrets and trauma, though they often fail to fully escape their liminal condition.
What are the key themes analyzed in Seamus Deane's novel?
Key themes include class conflict, ideological struggles, family secrets, and the psychological impact of trauma within a 'Derry Gothic' framework.
- Citation du texte
- Jule Hölzel (Auteur), 2023, Liminality in Seamus Deane's Gothic Novel "Reading in the Dark", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1355504
