ENG 3402 Gothic Literature

Here is the handout on Royle’s version of The Uncanny:

Royle_TheUncanny_intro

Cheers,

Sean

We have not investigated Queer Theory with the same amount of attention that we have given to the uncanny and other terms. Below, I’ve put a link to the Purdue University OWL website which gives a fine summary of Queer Theory. But what is really useful about this introduction is the set of questions at the bottom of the page. These questions might be a great value to you as you try to wrestle with your space/place for the presentation. If they are useful, then use them!

This may be obvious, but I will state it anyway: your space may be gothic AND uncanny AND queer—all at the same time! Your job, as a student of Gothic Literature, is to make sense of how these terms work and how a visitor to such a space might engage with it.

Queer Theory–http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/722/12/

Cheers,

Sean

Hi Class,

For Monday, please prepare a one-minute summary of your Space/Place Presentation. Include: a brief description of the space/place and what critical terms you propose to use (Royle’s idea of the uncanny, for example).

Also, under READINGS I’ve posted an article on Anthony Vidler’s idea of the Architectural Uncanny. Below is a graphic representation of what Vidler sees as the modern unhomely: a transparent house with a metal spike running though it.

House Vektor II by Coop Himmelblau

This speech is a homerun:

The speech below is, perhaps, not as successful:

-Sean

Hi Class,

For Monday, October 31, we have a few things to consider:

1. Let’s finish discussing “Goblin Market.” Think about themes and gothic associations.

2. Bring in a one page typed beginning of your presentation on a haunted or uncanny or gothic place in New York City. Your beginning should include two important details: a description of the place and how you plan to analyze it (Freud’s uncanny? Royle’s uncanny? Vidler’s architectural uncanny, etc.) You may write this beginning as an outline or in paragraphs. Soon I will have the assignment details posted.

3. Click here to read about E.A. Poe’s cottage in the Bronx!

4. What about Halloween? What should we do? This is our day to shine!

Email any questions to me, or you can comment on this website.

Best, Sean

Hi Class:

Great reading of the “leaf falling” poem, and also, great job with “The Raven,” –one of the more difficult (and popular) American poems.

Homework for 10/26: Read the rest of the Poe anthology. Chose a favorite poem to discuss in class. Then read “Goblin Market” in Christina Rossetti’s collection (Goblin Market and Other Poems). Write a one page journal entry (Journal #3), in which you answer this question: Why is Goblin Market still so famous and so widely read? According to Best Poems Encyclopedia, Rossetti’s “Goblin Market” is one of the top 100 poems.

**CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THE CITY TECH HAUNTED HOUSE**

Email any questions.

1(a… (a leaf falls on loneliness)

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e.e. cummings

Hi Class,

Homework for Monday, October 17:

1. Print out and read over my poetry handout (below)

2. Read pages 1-26 in E.A. Poe.

3. Chose your favorite and write a half page that explores why you selected that poem (typed, double-spaced).

An image for Doctorow’s “The Waterworks”

The Croton Waterworks in Manhattan:

Hi Class,

Please print out and read my helpful tips for reading poetry here:

How to read poetry_f2011_Gothic_Literature

A few questions to consider:

1. What are the hallmarks of gothic poetry?

2. What are the similarities and differences between gothic short fiction and gothic poetry?

3. How does a gothic poem make you feel?

Email any questions…or leave a comment.

Hi Class,

Here is the handout on Todorov’s the fantastic:

The Fantastic\_Todorov_gothicLiterature:

Hi Class,

Under READINGS you will find reading #4: Sigmund Freud’s “The Uncanny.” Please print this out, read it, mark it up with questions and margin notes, and bring it to class on Tuesday.

And speaking of “The Uncanny,” I want to clear up a mistake I made when I described the “infix.” That was the wrong word! I meant to describe the “Syllepsis.” Below is a brief explanation of each:

Uncanny Words