The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction is a pioneering critical survey of ghosts, occult agencies, revenants, psychic phenomena, and uncanny atmospheres in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century
The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction is a pioneering critical survey of ghosts, occult agencies, revenants, psychic phenomena, and uncanny atmospheres in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century fiction. Scarborough writes with the classificatory impulse of early literary scholarship, yet her prose remains lively, alert to narrative mood, symbolism, and the shifting border between Gothic convention and modern psychological ambiguity. Placing writers such as Poe, Hawthorne, Kipling, Stevenson, Wells, and Henry James within a broad Anglo-American context, she shows how supernatural fiction evolved from melodramatic terror into subtler explorations of doubt, perception, and spiritual unease. Dorothy Scarborough was an American scholar, novelist, and folklorist whose academic formation at Columbia University helped shape the book's methodical scope. Her lifelong interest in folklore, balladry, regional storytelling, and popular belief gave her unusual sympathy for materials often dismissed as merely sensational. Writing at a moment when psychical research, spiritualism, and modern psychology were reshaping attitudes toward the unseen, she approached supernatural fiction as both literary art and cultural evidence. This volume is recommended for readers interested in Gothic studies, ghost stories, and the intellectual history of the uncanny. Though some judgments reflect its period, Scarborough's study remains valuable for its range, clarity, and early recognition of supernatural fiction as a serious modern literary form.This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
