Demons of the Body and Mind: Essays on Disability in Gothic Literature

by Ruth Bienstock Anolik (editor)

The Gothic mode, typically preoccupied by questions of difference and otherness, consistently imagines the Other as a source of grotesque horror. The sixteen critical essays in this collection examine the ways in which those suffering from mental and physical ailments are refigured as Other, and how they are imagined to be monstrous. Together, the essays highlight the Gothic inclination to represent all ailments as visibly monstrous, even those, such as mental illness, which were invisible. Paradoxically, the Other also becomes a pitiful figure, often evoking empathy. This exploration of illness and disability represents a strong addition to Gothic studies.

Genres: Literary Criticism, Nonfiction, Gothic

244 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2010

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating introduction with some very important ideas about the Gothic and disability. I only read a selection of the actual chapters, all of which were interesting, although perhaps sometimes a bit tenuous, and I was a bit disappointed by the treatment of mental disability.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I randomly discovered this book by doing a subject search after I had read a different book that talks about disability in genre fiction and gives different examples. This one definitely had some great analysis throughout, depending on what books or media properties were being discussed, and I would say... I'm not sure it's the first boko i would recommend to someone looking for books in the area, because it pre-supposed a knowledge and engagement with specific theories that might throw some readers who haven't read very widely in this space, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the topic.