The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

47204

Title

The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Dorothy Scarborough explores the enduring presence of the supernatural in modern English fiction, tracing its evolution from Gothic terror to contemporary psychological and scientific motifs. With an affectionate, impressionistic tone, she argues that the ghostly dignifies human existence by connecting it to infinity. This comprehensive survey covers ghosts, devils, and magical machinery, celebrating the genre's ability to transform the mundane into the marvelous.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction*, Dorothy Scarborough presents a comprehensive survey of the supernatural as a fundamental and enduring force in literature. She argues that the 'ghostly' is intrinsic to all great art, touching a human need for mystery and a sense of infinity that transcends the limitations of material reality. Scarborough traces the evolution of this genre from the Gothic romance of the eighteenth century, which arose as a reaction against rationalism, to the diverse forms of modern fiction. She notes a significant shift in literary vehicles: while the Gothic novel dominated earlier periods, the short story and drama became preferred for the weird in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, though the novel is experiencing a revival. Scarborough categorizes supernatural elements into several evolving types. Early works relied heavily on ghosts and devils, but modern fiction incorporates a vast array of beings, including angels, divinity, and mythological figures. A notable development is 'scientific supernaturalism,' where laboratory discoveries and scientific laws are subverted for magical effect, featuring diabolic botany, enchanted machinery, and time travel. She also identifies the 'mechanistic spook,' where engines and automobiles are haunted or controlled by ghost-power. Another significant evolution is the individualization of previously group figures. Children, once nameless specters, now appear as distinct, pathos-filled characters who guide the living to peace or enact revenge. Similarly, animals like dogs and insects gain specific personalities, serving as messengers of fate or agents of justice. Throughout the work, Scarborough maintains that the supernatural satisfies a deep human need, allowing readers to escape petty tragedies and access a larger life. She rejects the materialist view that the actual is more marvelous than the imagined, suggesting that the supernatural allows for a sense of being the center of supermortal powers. The book serves as both a historical overview and a celebration of the genre's capacity to evoke wonder, fear, and sympathy, concluding that the supernatural remains an ever-present and vital element in literature.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Literature