The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction

In "The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction," Dorothy Scarborough offers a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between supernatural elements and the narratives of modern English literature. Written in a detailed yet accessible style, the book traverses a range of texts, from early Gothic works to the contemporary tales of the early 20th century. Scarborough deftly examines how authors manipulate supernatural motifs to explore themes of fear, morality, and the human condition, situating her analysis within the broader literary context of the period, notably the psychological and societal changes following the Industrial Revolution. Dorothy Scarborough was a prominent figure in the early 20th-century literary landscape, known for her passion for folklore and the supernatural. Her background as a literary scholar and her experience in collecting American folklore deeply influenced her perspectives on how the supernatural resonates within literature. These experiences, coupled with her commitment to feminist literary criticism and cultural analysis, provided Scarborough with a unique lens through which to dissect the genre, making her work invaluable in understanding the evolution of supernatural narratives. This book is highly recommended for scholars and enthusiasts of literature and folklore alike, as Scarborough not only dissects well-known texts but also illuminates lesser-known works that contribute to the genre's rich tapestry. "The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction" serves as an essential resource for understanding the complexities of human imagination and the enduring presence of the supernatural in literature.