As the title suggests, this paper aims at pointing out the major characteristics of the literature of the fantastic and combining this theoretical approach with a study of the work of one of the most significant representatives of said genre, the American writer Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937). Consequently, the first major part of this paper is dedicated to a brief study of the genre of fantastic literature in general, particularly the very problematic task of defining its distinctive characteristics. By looking at the fantastic tradition in America (particularly that of New England), including the prevalent features and themes marking the American variety of the fantastic, and highlighting the contribution some eminent American authors have made to the genre, the second part then focuses on the fantastic in American literature. Finally, the third major section of this paper provides a detailed study of the life and work of one of the chief American writers of fantastic prose fiction, H. P. Lovecraft. After an account of Lovecraft’s life and personality (including some of the countless misconceptions circulating since his death), a critical evaluation of his literary achievement and influences, and a short discussion of his impact on modern popular culture, a large part of this section is dedicated to a thorough analysis of his unique concept of fantastic fiction: while certain aspects of his work inevitably link him to his literary precursors, there are others clearly setting him apart from any writer of the fantastic that came before him. The paper is concluded by brief case studies of three of Lovecraft’s most popular short stories.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Fantastic: Defining a Literary Genre
- 2.1 The Problem of Terminology
- 2.2 Minimalistic Concepts of the Fantastic
- 2.2.1 Tzvetan Todorov's Einführung in die fantastische Literatur
- 2.2.2 Uwe Durst's Theorie der phantastischen Literatur
- 2.3 Maximalistic Concepts of the Fantastic
- 2.3.1 H. P. Lovecraft's Supernatural Horror in Literature
- 2.3.2 Florian Marzin's Die phantastische Literatur
- 2.4 Summary
- 3. The Fantastic in American Literature
- 3.1 The Fantastic Tradition in America
- 3.1.1 Monsters from the Sea
- 3.1.2 Fear of the Unknown
- 3.1.3 The Puritan Way of Life
- 3.1.4 Witchcraft
- 3.1.5 An Obsession with Death
- 3.1.6 The Decline of a Region
- 3.2 Some American Writers of the Fantastic
- 3.2.1 Washington Irving
- 3.2.2 Nathaniel Hawthorne
- 3.2.3 Edgar Allan Poe
- 3.2.4 Henry James
- 3.2.5 Stephen King
- 3.1 The Fantastic Tradition in America
- 4. Weird Tales of Cosmic Fear: The Fantastic in H. P. Lovecraft
- 4.1 Recluse, Dreamer, Racist, or Genius: The Life of H. P. Lovecraft
- 4.2 H. P. Lovecraft's Literary Achievement
- 4.3 H. P. Lovecraft's Literary Influences
- 4.4 H. P. Lovecraft as Cult Figure and His Impact on Modern Popular Culture
- 4.5 Literature of Cosmic Fear: H. P. Lovecraft's Concept of Fantastic Fiction
- 4.6 A Brief Study of Three of H. P. Lovecraft's Short Stories
- 4.6.1 The Dunwich Horror
- 4.6.2 The Horror at Red Hook
- 4.6.3 The Call of Cthulhu
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the literary genre of the fantastic, focusing on its definition and characteristics, and examining the work of H.P. Lovecraft as a prominent example. It will analyze Lovecraft's contribution to the genre and his lasting influence on popular culture.
- Defining the literary genre of the fantastic, addressing the complexities and ambiguities of its terminology.
- Exploring the historical context of the fantastic in American literature, including its evolution and key influences.
- Analyzing H.P. Lovecraft's life, literary achievements, and sources of inspiration.
- Examining Lovecraft's unique contribution to the genre of cosmic horror.
- Investigating Lovecraft's lasting impact on contemporary popular culture.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter details the author's personal fascination with the fantastic, stemming from early experiences with horror films and literature. It discusses the appeal of supernatural themes, suggesting a connection to atavistic instincts and a need to explore the darker aspects of human nature in a safe, fictional context. The chapter outlines the paper's aim: to explore the genre of fantastic literature and analyze H.P. Lovecraft's contribution to it.
2. The Fantastic: Defining a Literary Genre: This chapter tackles the challenge of defining the fantastic as a literary genre. It explores various theoretical approaches, distinguishing between minimalistic and maximalistic concepts. Minimalistic approaches, such as Todorov's and Durst's, focus on the hesitation between the natural and supernatural. Maximalistic views, exemplified by Lovecraft's work and Marzin's analysis, embrace a broader range of the uncanny and supernatural. The chapter synthesizes these perspectives to create a more nuanced understanding of the genre's scope.
3. The Fantastic in American Literature: This chapter examines the development of the fantastic tradition in American literature. It explores several key themes and motifs, including the prevalence of monsters from the sea, fear of the unknown, Puritanical influences, the fascination with death, and the decline of certain regions. The chapter analyzes the contributions of several significant American writers, such as Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, Henry James, and Stephen King, highlighting their unique approaches to the fantastic.
4. Weird Tales of Cosmic Fear: The Fantastic in H. P. Lovecraft: This chapter delves into the life and work of H.P. Lovecraft, examining his literary achievements, influences, and cultural impact. It analyzes his unique contribution to cosmic horror, exploring his thematic concerns and stylistic innovations. The chapter also includes a brief study of three of Lovecraft's short stories, exploring their thematic elements and how they embody Lovecraft's overall vision of the fantastic.
Keywords
Fantastic literature, cosmic horror, H.P. Lovecraft, American literature, genre definition, supernatural, uncanny, literary theory, cultural impact.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the focus of this paper?
This paper explores the literary genre of the fantastic, focusing on its definition and characteristics. It examines the work of H.P. Lovecraft as a prominent example, analyzing his contribution to the genre and his lasting influence on popular culture.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an introduction, a chapter defining the fantastic as a literary genre (exploring both minimalistic and maximalistic concepts), a chapter on the fantastic in American literature, and a chapter dedicated to H.P. Lovecraft's contribution to cosmic horror. The last chapter features an in-depth analysis of three of Lovecraft's short stories.
What are the key objectives and themes?
Key objectives include defining the literary genre of the fantastic, exploring its historical context in American literature, analyzing H.P. Lovecraft's life and literary achievements, examining his unique contribution to cosmic horror, and investigating his lasting impact on contemporary popular culture. Key themes include the complexities of defining the fantastic, the evolution of the genre in America, Lovecraft's literary influences, and his lasting cultural impact.
How does the paper define "the fantastic"?
The paper examines various theoretical approaches to defining "the fantastic," distinguishing between minimalistic concepts (focusing on the hesitation between the natural and supernatural, as seen in Todorov and Durst's work) and maximalistic concepts (embracing a broader range of the uncanny and supernatural, exemplified by Lovecraft and Marzin's work). The paper synthesizes these perspectives for a nuanced understanding.
What is the role of H.P. Lovecraft in this paper?
H.P. Lovecraft serves as a central figure in the paper. His life, literary achievements, influences, and unique contribution to cosmic horror are extensively analyzed. The paper examines three of his short stories ("The Dunwich Horror," "The Horror at Red Hook," and "The Call of Cthulhu") in detail.
What is the historical context of the fantastic in American literature?
The paper explores the development of the fantastic tradition in American literature, examining key themes and motifs such as monsters from the sea, fear of the unknown, Puritanical influences, fascination with death, and the decline of certain regions. It also analyzes the contributions of significant American writers like Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, Henry James, and Stephen King.
What are the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of each chapter's content, including the introduction's personal reflection on the appeal of the fantastic, the theoretical exploration of the genre's definition, the historical analysis of the fantastic in American literature, and the in-depth study of H.P. Lovecraft's life, work, and impact.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include fantastic literature, cosmic horror, H.P. Lovecraft, American literature, genre definition, supernatural, uncanny, literary theory, and cultural impact.
- Quote paper
- Bernd Steiner (Author), 2005, H. P. Lovecraft and the Literature of the Fantastic: Explorations in a Literary Genre, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/70465
