This brought to her [Emilys, jf] recollection the veiled picture, which had attracted her curiosity on the preceeding night, and she resolved to examine it. […] She then hastily entered the chamber, and went towards the picture, which appeared to be enclosed in a frame of uncommon size, that hung in a dark part of the room. She paused again, and then, with a timid hand, lifted the veil; but instantly let it fall - perceiving that what it had concealed was no picture, and, before she could leave the chamber, she dropped senseless on the floor.
Whatever Emily, the main character in Ann Radcliffe’s novelThe Mysteries of Udolpho,might have perceived behind that black veil will not be revealed for several hundred pages. The reader is left baffled as to what caused Emily all this pain and has to resort to guesswork, only to find out that she had simply seen a wax figure, shaped like a human being who was tortured to death. Ann Radcliffe has become famous for this method, that is for “a sequence of evasions and withdrawls, condluding with long-subsequent explanations.”2Radcliffe developed the technique of the so-called ‘supernatural explained’ and became famous for this device; a device that was well received in her times and made her one of the most famous novelists of her age. Several editions of her books and a 500 pound salary paid by her publisher George Robinson, an immense sum for the time, might be proof.3Nevertheless Radcliffe’s novels and her technique of the supernatural explained have been and still are heavily criticised, not only by modern literary critics.
This term paper deals with Radcliffe’s method in her bookThe Mysteries of Udolpho.After a definition has been given the reception of Ann Radcliffe’s work throughout the decades will be discussed, before Terry Castle’s new approach “The Spectralization of the Other inThe Mysteries of Udolpho”will be introduced. Finally a conclusion will be drawn.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. What is the Supernatural Explained?
- 3. Contemporary Reception of Radcliffe's work: Praise and Critique
- 4. Recent Reception of Radcliffe's work: Praise and Critique
- 5. A new Approach: Terry Castle's "The Spectralization of the Other"
- 6. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines Ann Radcliffe's technique of the "supernatural explained" in her novel The Mysteries of Udolpho. It aims to define this technique, trace the reception of Radcliffe's work over time, and introduce a contemporary critical perspective.
- The definition and development of the "supernatural explained" technique in Gothic fiction.
- Critical reception of Radcliffe's work, both contemporary and modern.
- The role of fear and terror in Radcliffe's novels, and their effect on the reader.
- Analysis of specific examples of the "supernatural explained" from The Mysteries of Udolpho.
- Examination of Terry Castle's critical approach to Radcliffe's work.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho and its central technique, the "supernatural explained," where seemingly supernatural events are ultimately given rational explanations. The chapter uses an evocative opening scene from the novel to highlight this central mystery and suspense, immediately setting the stage for the discussion of Radcliffe's innovative approach to Gothic fiction. The introduction then lays out the paper's structure, promising a deep dive into the technique, its critical reception, and a contemporary critical analysis.
2. What is the Supernatural Explained?: This chapter defines the "supernatural explained" technique, contrasting Radcliffe's approach with earlier Gothic novels like Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto. It highlights the shift from purely supernatural elements to a more nuanced approach where suspense and terror are generated, but ultimately resolved through rational explanations. The chapter employs quotes from literary critics and contemporaries to illustrate the novelty and impact of Radcliffe's method, emphasizing its impact on the evolving Gothic genre. Examples from Radcliffe's work and other sources showcase the technique's evolution and characteristics.
3. Contemporary Reception of Radcliffe's work: Praise and Critique: This chapter explores the initial reception of Radcliffe's work, examining both the praise she received for her innovative style and the criticisms leveled against her for her reliance on the "supernatural explained." It connects her success to the psychological principles of fear and terror as articulated by Edmund Burke, suggesting a reasoned explanation for the popularity of her suspenseful yet ultimately rational narratives. The discussion incorporates contemporary reviews and critical assessments to paint a complete picture of the immediate impact of Radcliffe's writing.
Keywords
Ann Radcliffe, The Mysteries of Udolpho, Gothic novel, supernatural explained, terror, suspense, rational explanation, literary criticism, contemporary reception, Gothic fiction, psychological effects.
Frequently Asked Questions about "A new Approach: Terry Castle's "The Spectralization of the Other""
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper examines Ann Radcliffe's "supernatural explained" technique in her novel The Mysteries of Udolpho. It aims to define this technique, trace the reception of Radcliffe's work over time, and introduce a contemporary critical perspective.
What is the "supernatural explained" technique?
The "supernatural explained" technique is a narrative approach where seemingly supernatural events are ultimately given rational explanations. Radcliffe's use of this technique contrasts with earlier Gothic novels that relied more heavily on purely supernatural elements. This technique creates suspense and terror, but ultimately resolves the mystery through logical means.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the definition and development of the "supernatural explained" technique in Gothic fiction; critical reception of Radcliffe's work (both contemporary and modern); the role of fear and terror in Radcliffe's novels and their effect on the reader; analysis of specific examples of the "supernatural explained" from The Mysteries of Udolpho; and examination of Terry Castle's critical approach to Radcliffe's work.
What is covered in each chapter?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Introduces The Mysteries of Udolpho and the "supernatural explained" technique, outlining the paper's structure. Chapter 2 (What is the Supernatural Explained?): Defines the technique, contrasting Radcliffe's approach with earlier Gothic novels. Chapter 3 (Contemporary Reception of Radcliffe's work: Praise and Critique): Explores the initial reception of Radcliffe's work, analyzing both praise and criticism. Chapter 4 (Recent Reception of Radcliffe's work: Praise and Critique): This chapter likely further explores the critical reception of Radcliffe's work, expanding on the contemporary reception discussed in Chapter 3, focusing on more modern perspectives. Chapter 5 (A new Approach: Terry Castle's "The Spectralization of the Other"): Analyzes Terry Castle's critical approach to Radcliffe's work. Chapter 6 (Conclusion): Summarizes the findings and conclusions of the paper.
What are some key words associated with this paper?
Key words include Ann Radcliffe, The Mysteries of Udolpho, Gothic novel, supernatural explained, terror, suspense, rational explanation, literary criticism, contemporary reception, Gothic fiction, and psychological effects.
How does the paper analyze Radcliffe's work?
The paper analyzes Radcliffe's work by examining her use of the "supernatural explained" technique, tracing its evolution and impact. It considers both contemporary and modern critical perspectives, exploring the psychological effects of fear and terror on the reader. Specific examples from The Mysteries of Udolpho are used to illustrate the technique and its effectiveness. The paper also incorporates the perspective of Terry Castle’s critical work.
What is the significance of Terry Castle's work in this paper?
Terry Castle's critical approach provides a contemporary lens through which to examine and reinterpret Radcliffe's work and the "supernatural explained" technique. The paper likely analyzes Castle's ideas and how they contribute to a deeper understanding of Radcliffe's narrative strategies and their impact.
- Quote paper
- Judith Forysch (Author), 2006, The Supernatural Explained in Ann Radcliffe's "The Mysteries of Udolpho", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/69262
