Comic relief or the nightmare of a twisted psyche: The role of the clown in the Gothic novel
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August 8, 2021Comic relief or the nightmare of a twisted psyche: The role of the clown in the Gothic novel
Example English dissertation topic 14:
Comic relief or the nightmare of a twisted psyche: The role of the clown in the Gothic novel
Given that an appreciation for clowns has waned in modern times, this dissertation considers how much the Gothic novel is responsible for the depiction of clowns as terrifying characters hiding behind their masks. From Walpole to Dowling, this study examines previous clowns and clown imagery in Gothic fiction and relates the surrealism of the clown to feelings of low self-esteem. Reviewing a wide breadth of Gothic literature, the dissertation draws upon existent theory upon clowns as well as attempting to break new ground with a presentation of psychological theory of coulrophobia, as linked to the Gothic novel.
Suggested initial topic reading:
- Bala, M. (2010) ‘The clown: An archetypal self-journey’, Jung Journal: Culture & Psyche, Vol. 4(1), pp. 50-71.
- Fahreus, A. and Camoglu, D.Y. (eds) (2011) Villains and Villainy: Embodiments of Evil in Literature, Popular Culture and Media. Amsterdam: Editions Rodopi.
- McConnell-Stott, A. (2009) The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi. Edinburgh: Canongate.
