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American Literature

The Gothic and Edgar Allan Poe

Bokos Borbala

4.6

Based on 73 ratings

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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.

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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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

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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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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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Reviews summary

Poe's gothic: deep insights, mixed structure

According to students, this course provides a deep analysis (positive) of Edgar Allan Poe's works, especially his Gothic and uncanny elements (neutral). Learners found the instructor's insights (positive) interesting and appreciated the historical background (positive). However, opinions are divided on the course's structure; while one learner found it wonderful (positive) and highly recommended (positive), another noted that the content felt very disorganized (negative) and was difficult to follow (negative). This lack of clear transitions (negative) led some to require external resources (negative), suggesting it may not be suitable for those desiring a structured learning experience (warning).

Engaging for both dedicated Poe enthusiasts and general literary learners.

"If you're a fan of Poe, or even if you're not, it's very interesting. Highly recommended!"

"I appreciated that it provides a bit of historical background, enriching the context of Poe's works."

Offers profound insights into Poe's Gothic themes and literary techniques.

"A great analysis of Poe, delving deep into the gothic and uncanny elements found throughout his works..."

"The instructor had some interesting insights, especially on how the elements of the gothic generate fear."

"I found it very interesting, even as someone who isn't a huge fan of Poe, the analysis was truly engaging."

Lacks clear structure, making it challenging to follow at times.

"...the course content felt very disorganized and difficult to follow at times."

"The topics jumped around without clear transitions, making it hard to connect the dots."

"I found myself frequently re-watching sections or seeking external resources to understand concepts that should have been clear."

"This course is not recommended for those looking for a structured learning experience."

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

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Enhance your understanding of Gothic literature and contribute to the broader community by editing and expanding the Gothic Literature Wiki.

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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

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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

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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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Poe's Use of Symbolism

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Demonstrate your understanding of Poe's use of symbolism by creating a visual or written analysis of a specific story or poem.

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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

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Challenge yourself by writing a Gothic short story, incorporating the elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural that you have studied.

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Brainstorm ideas for a Gothic short story.
Develop characters and a setting that embodies the Gothic aesthetic.
Write a rough draft of your story.

Career center

Learners who complete American Literature: The Gothic and Edgar Allan Poe will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 46 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in American Literature: The Gothic and Edgar Allan Poe.

The Norton Anthology of English Literature

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This comprehensive anthology provides a broad overview of English literature from the Middle Ages to the present day. It includes a wide range of works, from poetry and prose to drama and fiction, and offers insightful commentary and analysis.

American Literature

What's inside

Learning objectives

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Reviews summary

Poe's gothic: deep insights, mixed structure

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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