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Bokos Borbala

In this course I will try to offer a glimpse into the most common Gothic and uncanny motifs that occur in the works of Edgar Allan Poe. I the introductory part I intend to discuss examples of both English and American literature, while in the second part of the course emphasis will fall on specific examples/texts by E. A. Poe. This course is more than just literary analysis: we will try to look at the ways the elements of the gothic generate fear and horror, as well as a sense of anxiety. Such elements include, of course, monsters, ghost, doppelgangers, ladies buried alive, mad protagonists, repetition of places, characters and objects, as well as labyrinth like settings, claustrophobic gothic mansions. I will look at how, by what means such elements reflect on characters/narrators and how they create suspense in the most unexpected ways.

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In this course I will try to offer a glimpse into the most common Gothic and uncanny motifs that occur in the works of Edgar Allan Poe. I the introductory part I intend to discuss examples of both English and American literature, while in the second part of the course emphasis will fall on specific examples/texts by E. A. Poe. This course is more than just literary analysis: we will try to look at the ways the elements of the gothic generate fear and horror, as well as a sense of anxiety. Such elements include, of course, monsters, ghost, doppelgangers, ladies buried alive, mad protagonists, repetition of places, characters and objects, as well as labyrinth like settings, claustrophobic gothic mansions. I will look at how, by what means such elements reflect on characters/narrators and how they create suspense in the most unexpected ways.

Each lesson discusses a story/poem written by Poe and attempts to offer a unique interpretation of these literary texts. How do Poe’s stories master the elements of horror? How do such texts create suspense? To answer these questions we will try to make use of Sigmund Freud’s concept of “the uncanny” as well as Tzvetan Todorov’s concept of “the fantastic.”

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The short stories of edgar allan poe
  • The motifs of the gothic and the uncanny
  • The elements of horror in fiction
  • The specific features of american literature

Syllabus

The Fall of the House of Usher
The Tell-Tale Heart
The Black Cat
Introduction
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William Wilson
Elements of the Gothic and the uncanny
On the Concepts of the Gothic and the Uncanny. Freud and Todorov.
Gothic/Uncanny Motifs: Doppelgangers, Monsters, and Haunted Houses
Gothic/Uncanny Motifs: the Evil Eye, Automatons, and Being Buried Alive
Poe's Stories I.: Mad Narrators, Haunted Houses, and Doppelgangers
Poe's Stories II.: The "Undead" Ladies
Ligeia
Berenice
"Bird or Devil?"
The Raven
A Comparative Exercise
Exercises with the Gothic Elements

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Reviews the elements of horror in fiction, which is highly relevant to aspiring horror writers
Develops the key motifs of Gothic and uncanny literature, which are core skills for students of and horror writing
Examines examples of both English and American literature, which is standard in the Gothic genre
Guided by Bokos Borbala, an instructor who is recognized for their work in the topic of the course
Introduces key concepts such as the uncanny and the fantastic, which are highly relevant to horror writing
This course requires that learners come in with extensive background knowledge first, which may be difficult for students without a degree in literature

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in American Literature: The Gothic and Edgar Allan Poe with these activities:
Contribute to the Gothic Literature Wiki
Enhance your understanding of Gothic literature and contribute to the broader community by editing and expanding the Gothic Literature Wiki.
Show steps
  • Create an account on the Gothic Literature Wiki.
  • Identify an area of Gothic literature that you are knowledgeable about.
  • Edit or create a page on that topic, ensuring accuracy and providing references.
Read The Tell-Tale Heart
Enhance your understanding of Poe's writing style and the elements of horror by reading one of his most famous short stories.
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  • Read the story.
  • Identify the elements of horror in the story.
  • Analyze the narrator's character.
Discussion on The Fall of the House of Usher
Engage with fellow learners to discuss your interpretations of Poe's works, fostering a deeper understanding of the themes and literary devices he employed.
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  • Join a study group or online forum.
  • Share your thoughts and analysis of The Fall of the House of Usher.
  • Listen to and engage with other perspectives.
Two other activities
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Show all five activities
Poe's Use of Symbolism
Demonstrate your understanding of Poe's use of symbolism by creating a visual or written analysis of a specific story or poem.
Show steps
  • Choose a story or poem by Poe that you find particularly symbolic.
  • Identify the symbols used and explain their significance within the context of the work.
  • Create a visual representation, such as a chart or diagram, or write an essay to present your analysis.
Gothic Short Story Writing
Challenge yourself by writing a Gothic short story, incorporating the elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural that you have studied.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for a Gothic short story.
  • Develop characters and a setting that embodies the Gothic aesthetic.
  • Write a rough draft of your story.

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