The Englishness of the Gothic novel is often expressed through its characters. English social hierarchies are frequently reflected in the relationships between characters. There are often aristocratic families with their own secrets and scandals, which were common concerns in English society. Moreover, the language used in Gothic novels, with its archaic and formal English, contributes to the Englishness. It gives the sense of a bygone era of English literature.
The Englishness in the Gothic novel can be seen in its settings. Many Gothic novels are set in old, decaying English manors or castles. For example, 'The Castle of Otranto' has a typical English castle setting which evokes a sense of mystery and the past. The use of English landscapes also adds to this Englishness. The gloomy moors and dark forests are often part of the backdrop, creating an atmosphere that is both spooky and quintessentially English.
Settings contribute a great deal. English Gothic novels are likely to be set in ancient buildings like abbeys or old mansions that have a long history in England. These places carry a sense of the past and the unknown, which is very English. For example, in 'Northanger Abbey', the abbey itself is a symbol of the English past and its secrets.
The 'Englishness' in the context of the Gothic novel as per Maurice Levy might refer to certain characteristics unique to English culture that are reflected in these novels. It could include elements like the use of English landscapes, such as gloomy moors and ancient castles which are often settings in Gothic novels. These settings add to the overall atmosphere of mystery and horror which is a hallmark of the genre.
He could explore it by depicting English social hierarchies in the Gothic novels. The way different classes interact and the secrets within each class can show the unique English social fabric within the context of the Gothic genre. For example, how the servants might be in the know about the dark secrets of the aristocratic family they serve. Also, he may analyze the language used in the novels, as the English language in Gothic novels can be a tool to convey the 'Englishness', with its specific vocabulary and tone that create the spooky and mysterious atmosphere typical of Gothic works.
Realism in the novel often focuses on depicting real - life situations, characters, and social issues in a detailed and accurate way. For example, in works like 'Madame Bovary', Flaubert shows the ordinary life of a woman in a provincial town, with all its boredom and her attempts to escape. Modernism in novels, on the other hand, breaks away from traditional forms. It may use stream - of - consciousness, like in 'Ulysses' by Joyce, where the reader gets a jumbled view of the character's thoughts.
Beauty in science fiction is also shown in the relationships between characters. For instance, the deep bond between a human and an android in some stories is a unique form of beauty. It challenges our understanding of what love and connection can be. Another aspect is the elegance of the scientific concepts used. When a story explains a complex scientific theory in an easy - to - understand and engaging way, that's a kind of beauty too.
Playfulness in pulp fiction is shown through its outlandish settings. Settings like seedy underworlds, mysterious islands, or far - flung galaxies add an element of wonder and play. It's like opening a door to a whole new and strange world.
Comic irony is when something unexpected and funny happens contrary to what's expected. Like a clumsy superhero always tripping over his own cape.
In Japanese fiction, the dilemma of the modern often shows up as the difficulty in adapting to rapid social and technological changes. Writers depict characters who are confused by new urban lifestyles, new forms of communication, and changing social hierarchies. They may feel alienated from their traditional roots while also not fully comfortable in the new modern environment. This is a complex situation that is well - explored in many Japanese literary works.
In science fiction, gender bias can be seen in the under - representation of female characters in lead roles. Often, male characters dominate the action - oriented and intelligent roles, while female characters are sometimes relegated to the sidelines as love interests or damsels in distress.
One common way is through the theme of love. Just as in Shakespeare's plays, modern novels often explore different types of love. For example, Romeo and Juliet's passionate and tragic love can be seen reflected in modern romantic novels where young lovers face obstacles. Another theme is power and ambition. Macbeth's lust for power is similar to characters in modern political or corporate - themed novels who will do anything to gain and hold power.