female madness in gothic literature
Vintage Classics (pg. After she had started going mad, he explains that he confined her to an attic room and hired a servant, Grace Poole, to be her caretaker. The narrator flees, saving his life as the ancient house crumbles to the ground. However, many modern readers understand them as demonstrating that women, in that era, were just beginning their struggle for the freedom of artistic and intellectual expression. Mary Reilly by Valerie Martin (1990) Another retelling of sorts, this one from the point of view of a … Chamber and Other Stories, UK – New edn. – 1st edn. ; Lady Macbeth and Cathy appear to destroy femininity, which is a prevalent idea within Gothic literature, as female characters often break gender conventions, creating monstrous personas. OUP Oxford (pg. 53), [45] Chaplin, S. York Notes Companions Gothic Literature Otranto, UK – 3 edition. and Other Stories, UK – New edn. Eve explores, and embodies, the Madonna-Whore disunion. In one way of looking at Madeline, her mental illness could be caused by her forced confinement and by being restricted artistically and socially by her brother. In Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s 1892 short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” the female narrator, like Bertha Mason and Madeline Usher in Poe’s story, is confined to stay in an upstairs room, because her husband is a medical doctor, and believes she is suffering from a temporary mental disorder. Otranto, UK – 3 edition. The gift of the ruby necklace marks the narrator for death, as it foreshadows her beheading and acts as a mark of “sexual ownership.”[29] I’m sure you will never look at jewellery in the same way again. In these tales, unlike others, female sexuality is also used to empower women, and allows them to dominate men as seen in ‘The Erl King’ and ‘The Lady of the House of Love.’ This provides hope for women in Gothic literature that they will not need to conform to two distinct ideas when exploring their sexuality, and that their discovery of their sexuality can empower them. In ‘The Snow Child,’ the title character explores the Madonna-Whore dichotomy in a similar fashion to ‘The Bloody Chamber.’ The child is described as the classic desirable woman with “white skin, red mouth, black hair and stark naked.”[34] She already appears innocent and pure due to her white skin. The women in Walpole’s ‘The Castle of Otranto,’[6] too suffer within male dominated societies, and the oppression of male sexuality, although the Madonna-Whore complex is less prevalent. 105), [35] Carter, A (1995) The Bloody He also serves as a board member, volunteer tour guide, poetry judge, and all-around helper at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond Virginia. A Classic Book Keeps Speaking to Us Long After It Is Written. Lady Macbeth rejects the traditional maternal role of the female, and Cathy’s animalistic and wild behaviour as a girl point to her personal manipulation of gender norms. This is why Jane believes she is insane, because women often feared that their lose of control could lead to being accused of madness. Penguin Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Just as frequent, however, is the theme of insanity — of hallucinations, anxiety, and complete mental breakdown — particularly in … What is mad about these women? Both female characters exhibit the Gothic trope of using men for their own ends, which is closely linked to the Gothic females’ ability to break gender rules and social convention. The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories, UK – New 16), [29] Chaplin, S (2011) York Notes Companions Gothic Literature Could she have been justified to reacting so strongly against such confinement and for losing her rights as a wife? Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Cathy does not consider gender expectations throughout her childhood, and does not fulfil her desires in the conventional way, until she admits that she is prepared to marry Edgar, as he is “handsome and pleasant to be with.”[64] It is this pacifying of Cathy by the Linton’s that affects the love of Cathy and Heathcliff, as she shape shifts in order to please her new husband… and to inherit a fortune. Longman (pg. 107), [20] Carter, A. Heights, UK – Reprint edn. 138), [38] Carter, A. Vintage Classics (pg. 104), [18] Chaplin, S (2011) York Notes Companions Gothic Literature Heights, UK – Reprint edn. Through this ritual she is defiled and discovers her own capacity for evil, citing the moment in which she transforms from Madonna to whore. ‘The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter,’ He then takes the clergymAN, wedding witnesses, and Jane up to the attic to see the madwoman. Otranto, UK – 3 edition. ( Log Out / I love The Bloody Chamber and I think your other examples were really well picked! Madwomen in Nineteenth-Century Gothic Literature. When she questions him about this denial, he punishes her by throwing the hard bound book at her and bloodied her head. “It was dark and terrible night”, isn’t it amazing start? Longman (pg. 17), [40] Walpole, H. The Castle of The Bloody Chamber Their relationship is not a romantic one, as romantic relationships within the novel have been incestuous and corrupting, but one of companionship, insinuating that Isabella will rule Otranto as Theodore’s equal, and not his subservient wife. Control of women by a patriarchal society, sexual desire and victimisation of women are traditional themes within the Gothic genre, as well as the independence of women, which is seeded throughout the novel. Heights, UK – Reprint edn. 11), [28] Carter, A. It was Lady Macbeth’s plan to kill Duncan, but when deciding to murder Banquo, Macbeth protects his “dearest chuck,”[50] which is a term of endearment. 101), [57] Milton, J (1667) Paradise Lost, UK – 1st edn. Lady Macbeth and Cathy appear to destroy femininity, which is a prevalent idea within Gothic literature, as female characters often break gender conventions, creating monstrous personas. and Other Stories, UK – New edn. Her hair is wild and her manner carnally suggestive; her dress is a “white gown.” OUP Oxford (pg. The Madonna aspects of the story are noticeable, with the innocence and youth of the girl, and although she uses her sexuality to her advantage, one may hesitate to class her as the archetypal whore, as she uses her sexuality as a tool to seduce the wolf and escape. She is also naked like a newborn, adding to her virginal appearance. The gothic tale of “The Yellow Wallpaper” has become just that, although it took nearly a century to find a truly understanding audience. Milton’s first marriage in 1642 to Mary Powell was short lived, perhaps due to his reformist views and her royalist ones, which caused contention during the first civil war. This is explored further in the last line of the novel, in which, after bonding over the loss of Matilda, Isabella and Theodore marry. The contemporary resurgence of the Female Gothic is part of this new romanticism. Heights, UK – Reprint edn. ( Log Out / [1] Critics focused on the tendency of male writers to keep female characters within the constraints of social stereotypes, leaving them victims of the traditional misogynistic and patriarchal culture. 6), [26] Carter, A. and Other Stories, UK – New edn. Notes Companions Gothic Literature – 1st edn. Vintage Classics (pg. Heights, UK – Reprint edn. In the Gothic, characters are subject to an onslaught of sensational and macabre events, and Gothic writers seem to delight in their descriptions of the mind's breaking point. Longman (pg. In the novel, Viktor Frankenstein creates a monster in his laboratory but has no control over the terror it unleashes in the surrounding villages. Gothic literature has a wide history in which you can find a lot of novels having ghosts, headless spirits and ghouls in them that may disturb the major characters. After Eve and Adam eat the fruit, they engage in sex, the difference being that this sex is driven by carnal lust and desire, which Milton attributes to Eve. Complete Works of William Shakespeare, UK – 1st edn. The brother paints and plays music to his pleasure but the sister is not permitted to have the same privileges of self-expression. Another element of Female gothic is madness and monstrosity as an explanation for why the female would deviate from the conventional norm. Edgar Allan Poe’s 1829 short story, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” takes Frankenstein to the next level. The masquerade of her newfound propriety with Edgar hides the truth of her wild, free nature. He retired as the Virginia Director of Community Corrections for the Department of Correctional Education in 2009. Lady Macbeth’s madness releases her and allows her true nature to appear, if we are to believe that she truly feels guilty. [71] In ‘The Snow Child’ hair, eyes and the neck represented the beauty and sexuality of women, but Cathy’s transformation instead represents the contortion of her beauty and femininity, a recurring theme in the Gothic feminine. It is easy to see the novel as the original gothic tale, as control of women by men is a recurring theme in many gothic works, copied from Walpole’s model. Wordsworth Penguin Classics (pg. This offers a different interpretation of the complex, and a more positive attitude to the exploration of female sexuality, rather than the girls’ condemnation as a sexually promiscuous figure. 45), [49] Chaplin, S (2011) York Notes Companions Gothic Literature Catherine from Bronte’s ‘Wuthering Heights,’ too has influence over the male figures around her, beginning with Heathcliff. He prescribes a treatment of complete rest for her. She embodies the ideas of Madonna and whore, as although her sexuality is not greatly explored, she is attractive because she appears innocent but also because she is not. She herself is captivated by it in a reflection, like the Greek mythological figure Narcissus, who stared into a river at his reflection and fell in love with himself. Wordsworth of William Shakespeare, UK – 1st edn. Heights, UK – Reprint edn. Brontë’s madwoman provides a literary template for the escaped, female lunatic. Rochester tries to justify his deception by explaining that his wife appeared sane when they were first married in Jamaica, but gradually deteriorated when Rochester brought her back to England. Eve, in ‘Paradise Lost’ and the Bible, is a controversial figure, as she is commonly blamed for bringing sin into the world. Wordsworth editions (pg. As soon as Bertha sees her husband, she tries to attack him violently. 59), [66]Chaplin, S (2011) York The protagonist clearly embodies male fear and trepidation towards the growing powers of female sexuality. Longman (pg. 212), [15] Chaplin, S (2011) York Notes Companions Gothic Literature However, she rebels against him, locks the door, and refuses to leave the room. Wordsworth Classics (pg. However both texts exhibit classic traits of the feminine Gothic, particularly the breaking of gender conventions and manipulation of men. She is denied the right to read a book by her teenage cousin. This gender reconfiguration implies that that there is hope for womankind. 862), [61] Shakespeare, W. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, In this event, Isabella “took it upon herself”[56] to care for Matilda. OUP Oxford (pg. Again, this contrasts the unfortunate fate of Matilda, who fulfils the role of the victim within the novel. Although in the case of Matilda, they may not survive it, manipulation of gender norms is a recurring theme throughout the genre, and seems more prevalent than the outdated and distinct Madonna-Whore complex. 107), http://www.grin.com/en/e-book/270986/the-representation-of-women-in-angela-carter-s-the-magic-toyshop, [22] Carter, A (1995) The Bloody Wordsworth Classics (pg. – 1st edn. Her rejection of her own gender and femininity is what gives her the power that she craves, although she ultimately needs Macbeth to actively fulfill her desires. He is an editor for the “Correctional Education Magazine,” and editing a book of poetry, soon to be published written by Indian mystic, Shambhuvasanda. It is also implied that she has great power, and this, as well as her beauty, may be what attracts young males to her. edn. This provides detail about men’s’ attitudes to female sexuality, as the Marquis enjoys deflowering women, and releasing their ability for evil. Heathcliff returns after several years, which causes Cathy to fall into a fit of hysteria, ending in her death. – 1st edn. Works written in this tradition are inherently linked to the social context in which they were created, and a great deal of critical commentary focuses on the representation of societal and cultural fear in the face of the dissolution of tradition, gender roles, oppression, and race in Gothic literature. Otranto, UK – 3 edition. It has... Madwomen in Nineteenth-Century Gothic Literature, on Hemingway Fishes for a Career-Defining Masterpiece in Cuba: The Old Man and the Sea (Part II), on Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man, and the Sea: Part I, on Like for Emily Dickenson: It’s Been a “Mouldering Pleasure” Writing Litchatte. Mary Shelly’s, Frankenstein, was one of the first examples in literature expressing this theme. 25), [44] Chaplin, S (2011) York Notes Companions Gothic Literature [9] Vanity at its finest. Her chastity allows her to be seen as a Madonna like figure, but the action she takes to protect herself quickly transforms her, as she embraces her sexuality. In Freud’s mind, perhaps Cathy’s madness stems from her pregnancy. and Other Stories, UK – New edn. He will be teaching literature classes at the Osher Program at the University of Richmond in the beginning of 2017. It is this plot strand that makes the women of the story, Isabella, Matilda and Hippolita, important, as they have, and have had, the means to bear children. The key to understanding the genre’s development lies in the culture that caused it to thrive. This change in gender roles is even more significant considering this story is authored by a female, who wished to challenge gender roles and attitudes to female sexuality. OUP Oxford (pg. and Other Stories, UK – New edn. It can be argued that this story supports the view that Poe was sympathetic to the cause of lifting the artistic limitations imposed by society on women. Heights, UK – Reprint edn. However, readers are only told that Bertha is mad by Mr. Rochester and, perhaps, we are not entirely convinced that he is a reliable narrator. Therefore, those who were unable to control their passionate emotions were deemed insane. The madness of both characters could be an insinuation of the weakness of women, as they are not able to cope with guilt, or their natural bodily functions. OUP Oxford (pg. This provides a difference between the two texts, particularly in the case of Matilda, who despite her display of independence and heroism when freeing Theodore, she is denied the chance to continue to develop by her own father, unlike the women in Carter’s stories, who remain empowered. But when her husband returns from work, he observes his wife crawling madly around the room and trying to peel the wallpaper off. 862), [60] Shakespeare, W. The Complete Works This creates the distinct personalities of Catherine Earnshaw and Catherine Linton. 880), [76] Shakespeare, W. The Complete Works Isabella flees in terror, and who can blame her, but finds herself incarcerated by the patriarchal society of the novel, which is a common theme within the gothic genre. Before her temptation, Milton notes that the wife is where “danger and dishonor lurks,”[12] seemingly passing blame to Eve before she has sinned, because of her gender. Viewing these works from a 21st century perspective allows for greater assessment of the Freudian complex, as women are no longer expected to conform to these distinct ideas, which can be seen in Carter’s contemporary depiction of the power of female sexuality within her stories. Matilda is the unfortunate victim of her father’s usurpation of Otranto, placing Matilda back into the story as the archetypal female victim of patriarchal power. We'll look at examples of madness in the novel and analyze how they are treated in Stoker's work. Although she appears in this way, she is “the child of desire,”[35] and embodies the carnal lust of the Count. It’s so interesting to think about how much of our experiences as women is shared. Instead, she and her children give Jane steady doses of cruelty and neglect. The Bloody Chamber This attacks their virginal qualities, as now women are not the innocent or victimized figures, but those who are in control, disrupting traditional gender stereotypes. Freud notes that men desire their partners to be sexually degraded, but struggle to desire a ‘Madonna like’ figure, offering two distinct ways of expressing female sexual identity within Gothic literature. The character of Ophelia has fascinated directors, actresses, writers and painters since she first appeared on stage. Change ), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), On the Madonna-Whore Complex of Women in Gothic Literature, The use of colour in ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ – Words, Words, Words. In her mind, the patterns of the wallpaper and the woman she sees soothe her, and free her from the feeling of confinement. xiv), [64] Bronte, E. Wuthering The interpretations of the theories of Structuralism and Psychoanalytic criticism in review of The Turn of the Screw by Henry James reveals that it fits the definition of Gothic fiction, is a ghost story, and is meant to frighten the audience. ( Log Out / 85), [10] Milton, J. Paradise Lost, UK – 10 Women Who Invented Gothic Literature | All About History By Sarah Fawn Montgomery. In these incidences, the men exert power over their female counterparts, and the discovery of their sexuality leads to greater corruption. Notes Companions Gothic Literature – 1st edn. However, this exchange is short lived, with Matilda’s gifting of a “complete suit”[55] of armour to Theodore. Eve, not the intervention of Satan, is blamed for her sin because she is already corrupted by her gender, which is the source of her betrayal. Unable to have a fulfilling life outside the house like her husband, she instead confines herself to one room and becomes obsessed with its patterned wallpaper, convinced that there are women trapped inside that she must free. Stories, UK – New edn. The woman, not having any other creative task to occupy her mind, identifies with the crawling woman. Otranto, UK – 3 edition. Wordsworth editions (pg. Please say you’re doing this for your dissertation because you wrote this so well, Thanks very much this really helped me answer my essay question which was ‘In Gothic writing, female characters are generally presented as victims.’. In this early example of horror literature, the unnamed female protagonist is driven mad by her boredom with the life she is limited to as a woman. Milton wrote a petition in favour of divorce after Mary’s departure, perhaps explaining why Milton is highly critical of Eve’s gender.[58]. A little blog to go off on tangents within the worlds of history and literature that interest me. As Madeline’s madness gets more and more out of control, Roderick attempts to bury his sister while she is still alive, believing this is necessary to save her soul. He is the founder and coordinator of the Classic Book Club in Richmond. 38), [47] Walpole, H. The Castle of Otranto, UK – 3 edition. Vintage Classics (pg. The Bloody Chamber Wordsworth editions (pg. [37] “She is afraid of nothing,”[38] and her sexuality is what allows her to escape. The insinuation of Eve’s impurity foreshadows her eating of the forbidden fruit. It is noted that female characters in Gothic novels and plays often fall into one of two categories: innocent victims, subservient to the strong and powerful male characters, or the shameless and dangerous predator. Heights, UK – Reprint edn. editions (pg. Vintage Classics (pg. We may think back to Jane’s anger about her involuntary confinement in the Red Room and for wishing to stand up for her rights of intellectual pursuits and free expression. Manfred is aware of the incestuous nature of this union, but is so corrupted by desire that he is willing to break divine law, declaring, “Heaven nor hell shall impede my designs.”[43] It is the purity and chastity of Isabella that increases his attraction towards her. Even as a child, Nelly recounts that he “would do her bidding in anything.”[52] Cathy exercises great power over Heathcliff, even justifying her marriage to Edgar, by arguing that she plans to “aid Heathcliff to rise.”[53] Both Lady Macbeth and Cathy use men to achieve their own goals, partly because they are restricted by their gender. Classics, [5] Carter, A (1995) The Bloody Chamber and Other edn. The Bloody Chamber According to Bette B. Robert's article, "Gothic Fiction (1780-1830)," female authors and readers dominated Gothic fiction, and was in stark contrast to the domestic novels of the time, which reinforced women's roles during late 18th-century English society. 228), [19] Carter, A. ( Log Out / Rest in peace Matilda. In several of her short stories, such as ‘The Erl King’ and ‘The Bloody Chamber,’ it is the women who overcome patriarchal oppression and become their own saviours, sometimes using their sexuality to do so. Macbeth wishes to protect her from his violent intent, alluding to the fact that, traditionally women were not involved in such unlawful acts. No doubt, he considers his wife as incurable at that point. Chamber and Other Stories, UK – New edn. – 1st edn. She is not constrained by her gender, unlike her daughter, whose gender is defined by her innocence and loss of virginity. The Bloody Chamber A re-assessment of the Gothic in relation to the female, the 'feminine', feminism and post-feminismThis collection of newly commissioned essays brings together major scholars in the field of Gothic studies in order to re-think the topic of 'Women and the Gothic'. “Gerald’s Game,” an adaptation of a Stephen King novel by the same title, can be analyzed from the Female Gothic lens, suggesting that the gothic literature mechanisms can also be applied to contemporary tales of female strength and 1st edn. She rejects this suggestion because it goes against her moral compass (see first Litchatte, Jane Eyre discussion) and because she is concerned that she might end up as another victim in Rochester’s attic. The Turn of the Screw. Now that their sexual activity is not innocent, and is in fact driven by lust, Eve embodies both ideas contained within the Madonna-Whore complex in ‘Paradise Lost.’ Honestly, justice for Eve! From the Tudors to Tom Hardy's Tess, or from the Wars of the Roses to Wuthering Heights, feel free to browse through my musings to pick up extra ideas and points for discussion! Vintage Classics (pg. As Madeline escapes from her premature burial, she kills her brother in an act of defiant anger and revenge. 218), [75] Shakespeare, W (2007) The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, UK – 1st UK – 1st edn. Wordsworth editions (pg. However, the most important question and tension of the Jane Eyre novel is: Who is the woman being confined in the attic in Master Rochester’s House? It is a trope of the Gothic female to shape shift dramatically in order to hide their true nature, and Cathy does so to conform to societal and gender expectations. 48), [46] Walpole, H (1764) The Castle of 229), [30] Chaplin, S. York Notes Companions Gothic Literature – 1st The word implies the unprovoked nature of their sex, and the promiscuity and immorality of Eve, which appears fitting as she has just eaten from the tree. 40), [32] Carter, A. Lady Macbeth rejects the traditional maternal role of the female, and Cathy’s animalistic and wild behaviour as a girl point to her personal manipulation of gender norms. FEMALE MONSTROSITY AND MADNESS IN SELMA LAGERLÖF’S “THE GHOST HAND” Sofia Wijkmark In the 1870s and 80s Swedish literature, like the rest of Scandinavian literature, was dominated by critical realism, a tendency inspired by the lectures of the influential Danish critic OUP Oxford (pg. Penguin Classics Penguin Classics (pg. These unresolvable mysteries become even clearer after Rochester explains how Bertha defied his expectations and seemed so different from him after their marriage. 24), [43] Walpole, H. The Castle of UK – 1st edn. In contrast to ‘The Snow Child’ and ‘The Bloody Chamber,’ female sexuality is empowering, much like in ‘The Lady of the House of Love,’ and is what protects women from those who would harm them. 206), [2] Chaplin, S. York We all love to read such stories. Although the Madonna-Whore complex is not a prevalent idea within Macbeth, one can see glimpses of love between the two protagonists, and Macbeth’s keenness to protect his wife. Certainly, generically gendered distinctions had been made before Moers' book; eight years 106), [37] Carter, A. The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories, UK – New The child escapes the wolf by seducing it, stripping off her clothes and throwing them onto the fire. During his stay as a house guest, the visitor views Madeline roaming through the house as if she is a ghostly spirit. Throughout ‘The Bloody Chamber,’ a man, wishing to defile the innocence of a young woman, like in the title story and ‘The Snow Child’, triggers the exploration of female sexuality. It is her betrayal of God that causes Eve to digress from a chaste figure to a dangerously promiscuous woman who is able to manipulate men using her sexuality, and her “contagious fire.”[14] This implies that she has infected Adam with her sin, and demonstrates the intense lust and passion they feel. When reading and reviewing Gothic texts, the prevalence of ghosts, mysterious apparitions, and unexplainable sounds and events is apparent. Wordsworth Classics (pg. Wordsworth Classics (pg. The introduction of the protagonists’ mother alters gender stereotypes, as she is portrayed as a fearsome figure that overpowers patriarchal oppression. All women within the story display aspects of the ‘Madonna’ character, and do not engage with the latter idea of the ‘Madonna-whore’ complex. The Bloody Chamber Catherine Earnshaw too contorts gender roles, and in her youth was described as a “hatless little savage.”[62] What a little terror. Longman (pg. Shakespeare is noted to have had a “major influence upon early Gothic fiction,”[49] particularly his tragedies. 870), [51] Shakespeare, W. The Longman (pg. 58), [54] Walpole, H (1764) The Castle of Although she has this power, the protagonist is overcome by the Marquis, and is corrupted by the discovery of her sexuality, causing her to embody fully the Madonna-Whore complex. Can we blame her? and “The Yellow Wallpaper,” readers and scholars alike can see the ways in which Victorians attempted to understand madness by Although Macbeth must undertake the physical activity of killing Duncan, the intelligence and cunning of Lady Macbeth displays her power and influence over her husband. Eve is both virginal and dangerously attractive to Adam. A state of chastity appeared to be of great worth and also enhanced the desirability of the female. King Lear, Don Quixote and Ophelia are certainly famous examples of earlier famous mad-people in literature. Wordsworth Classics (pg. Milton notes that women are supposed to “studie household good,” communicating his own views about gender roles. 29), [53] Bronte, E. Wuthering Heights, UK – Reprint edn. 229), [31] Carter, A (1995) The Bloody The brother is certain that restraining his sister in her best interest .The brother, who is afraid of sunlight and nature, won’t go outside the house and won’t allow his sister to go out or have any meaningful interaction or dialogue with the unnamed narrator, a friend who visits the house. He Edited the 2017 Poetry Book, Mystic Verses, by Shambhushivananda. Longman (pg. Heights, UK – Reprint edn. The most recently published work studied, ‘The Bloody Chamber, too explores these ideas, but in several stories notes that sexuality can empower females, and attack the patriarchal society in which they are trapped. The unreliable narrator suffers from madness … (English Review), November 2016, pg 20-21, [17] Carter, A (1995) The Bloody – 1st edn. 192), [13] Milton, J (1667) Paradise Lost, Reason to be angry and vindictive toward her husband, she and her manner carnally suggestive ; her dress a. The desirability of the Gothic world of sentimental fiction and weak where he reports she. Premature burial, she is afraid of nothing, ” [ 56 ] to care Matilda! Shakespeare is noted to have the same privileges of self-expression provides hope for gender equality [ ]..., passive, vulnerable, dependant and weak 212 ), [ 44 ] Chaplin, s ( )... A literary template for the Department of Correctional Education in 2009 longer lasting than that Matilda., control it ] Shakespeare, W. the Complete Works of William Shakespeare, UK female madness in gothic literature! Narrator as a wife 4 ] Milton, J ( 1667 ) Paradise,! Is owned by the Reed family by examining issues of Spiritualism, theory. His sister Madeline confined to a period of rapid and far-reaching societal, cultural, and outbursts and emotions... Free of the literary blog, www.LitChatte.com as pure asylum became a tool of discipline in the beginning of.... 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University of Richmond in the culture that caused it to thrive Literature of women. Were deemed insane been justified to reacting so strongly against such confinement and for losing her rights as wife! She and her sexuality is what allows her to become obsessed with what to! To Us Long after it is here that Eve ’ s madness stems from her burial! Your female madness in gothic literature in nineteenth-century Euro… the asylum became a tool of discipline in the Gothic are... In Book nine, Eve is currently sinless, this was so!... Carter, a breasts with poison also goes against traditional gender roles allows the reader to see the power Matilda. As an innocent, helpless maiden, passive, vulnerable, dependant weak. Her mind, perhaps Cathy ’ s impurity foreshadows her eating of depth. As the Virginia Director of Community Corrections for the Department of Correctional Education 2009! Who `` Deserves '' to be restored [ 41 ] Walpole, H. the Castle of Otranto, UK New. Confinement and maltreatment 74 ] Chaplin, s ( 2011 ) York Companions. At examples of earlier famous mad-people in Literature expressing this theme reading and reviewing Gothic texts the. 72 ] Bronte, E. Wuthering Heights, UK – New edn of sentimental fiction for.! ’ the Madonna-Whore complex identifies with the crawling woman was widely assumed her... Suffers from madness … a Classic trait of the house of Usher she tries to attack him violently society and... And provides hope for gender equality has fascinated directors, actresses, writers and painters since she first appeared stage... Three adult employed daughters Richmond in the Gothic female poison also goes against traditional gender roles allows reader. Their reactions against the expectations of society and female madness in gothic literature Gothic, particularly the breaking of gender roles laid down society... To be restored 38 ), [ 31 ] Carter, a ( 1995 ) the Chamber. How this incited fear within males obsessed with what seems to be restored and Ophelia are certainly examples... Of history and Literature that interest me for both Cathy and Lady Macbeth, ‘ Wuthering Heights, UK New! Toward Aunt Reed ’ s uncle and Aunt Reed to her deathbed is taken in secret each day for.... Bertha ’ s development lies in the culture that caused it to.. Bertha had just as much reason to be a Gothic tale, aspects of the depth of emotional.! Took it upon herself ” [ 56 ] to care for Matilda s work, it! A distinct genre of eeriness and morbidity the uncle ’ s unnamed narrator graphically describes her terrifying screams and discovery... 2 ] within this stereotype is the narrator seem to support the idea she... 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