Ep. 7: Gothic Romance

Ep. 7: Gothic Romance

Author: Mira Gutoff October 16, 2018 Duration: 17:13

It's time for a big topic: gothic romance novels!  I'll be tackling the history of books with women running from houses on their covers, from the 1790s to the 1970s.  We'll talk about love and horror, cliche and innovation, feminism and conservatism, and all the other contradictions of the genre.

Recommended Media

Books:

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

The Italian by Anne Radcliffe

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

The Shivering Sands by Victoria Holt

Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart

Lord Satan by Janet Louise Roberts

The Lost Duchess of Greyden Castle by Nina Coombs Pykare

Dark Desires by Eve Silver

Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix

The Female Gothic edited by Juianne Fleenor

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Credits

Ambient music for this episode is by NCM Epic Music Ender Guney on youtube.  Intro and outro music is by Station 61.  Podcast artwork is by Dana Veitinger.

Audio clips in this episode are from The Rocky Horror Show Studio Cast.


Mira Gutoff hosts For the Gothic Heroine, a podcast that finds the beauty, tragedy, and profound humanity often hidden within dark stories. This isn't about shock or gore; it's an exploration of the elegant dread and emotional resonance found in gothic and horror narratives across television, film, and literature. Each episode focuses on the characters, settings, and themes that define the genre, paying particular attention to the complex women at the heart of these tales-the heroines, villains, and spectral figures who move through shadowy halls and haunted landscapes. You'll hear thoughtful analysis on how these works use fear and the sublime to explore deeper truths about longing, isolation, and resilience. Whether discussing a chilling modern series, a classic black-and-white film, or a timeless novel, the conversation always returns to the lovely side of horror: the poignant, the atmospheric, and the strangely comforting. It’s for anyone who has ever felt a pull toward the melancholy grace of a misty moor or the eerie silence of an abandoned estate, offering a space to appreciate the artistry and depth of these creations. Tune in for a curated, insightful journey into the corners of culture where darkness and beauty are inextricably intertwined.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 20

For the Gothic Heroine
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 20 - Pre-Code Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:53
Strict movie censorship in America kicked off in 1934- but what horrors were they able to get away with before then?
Ep. 19: The King in Yellow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:03
It's the father of all cursed media, the first haunted horror movie or novel, the original creepypasta. Let's crack open the King in Yellow. Ambiant music is by Michael Vrazitoulis at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1w…
Ep. 18: Folk Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:43
From old gods that demand human sacrifices to haunted villages with even more haunted villagers, it's time to examine horror movies based around folklore- the folk horror revival. This episode contains religious debate,…
Ep. 17: Bad Horror Movies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:21
What makes a horror movie bad- so bad it's good, or so bad it's unwatchable? In this episode, we'll be taking a look at when and how horror doesn't work. Recommended Media: Films (Good): The Most Dangerous Game The Thing…
Ep. 16: Frankenstein: The Monster and the Bride [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:45
In part B of the Frankenstein series, we'll talk about how film and literary adaptations have portrayed the infamous Monster- often as seen through the eyes of his Bride. Ambiant music is by cinematicwaves. Audio clips u…
Ep. 15: Frankenstein: The Doctor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
It's time to finally talk about Frankenstein! In part A, we'll look at how the Doctor has shifted throughout adaptations, and how each version has revealed a new aspect of what it means to play god. Error correction: I r…
Ep. 14: Ravenloft and Friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:55
Ravenloft is perhaps the most famous and influential gothic roleplaying game, but it's not the only one out there! Join us and discover the strange and unusual world of gothic horror tabletop rpgs. Recommended Media: Rol…
Ep. 13: The Weird West [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:23
This episode dives into a mixture of Americana, horror, science fiction and history to tell the tales of the Weird West. Recommended Media: Books: Track of the Cat Dracula Films: High Plains Drifter Ravenous TV: Wild Wil…
Ep. 12: Bluebeard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:23
It's time to tell some fairy tales- one of the most frightening fairy tales of all. In this episode, we'll look at the story of Bluebeard, lingering questions around it, and its influence on everything from great literat…
Ep 11: A Beginner's Guide to Universal Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:33
If you know all the classic monsters by sight but don't know where to start with their movies, look no further! In this guide to Universal's 1930s horror movies, we'll look at the foundational films of the genre and see…