Gothic Plays and American Society, 1794-1830

In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the production of Gothic plays brought into sharp focus the social turmoil of the critical period between 1794 and 1830. These plays, considered the earliest form of melodrama, enhanced the repertories of the first permanent theatres in the United States.

This first full-length study of early American Gothic drama examines the relationship between Gothic plays and the developing society in which they flourished. Beginning with an introduction to the rise of Gothic fiction and drama, it discusses topics ranging from the novelty of American artistic talent and critical opinions of Gothic melodramas to the representation of women in the dramas as compared with the reality of the contemporary female plight. The history of the plays presented here reflects the conflicts surrounding American artistic endeavors and the artists who made American drama distinct from all others.

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Gothic Plays and American Society, 1794-1830

In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the production of Gothic plays brought into sharp focus the social turmoil of the critical period between 1794 and 1830. These plays, considered the earliest form of melodrama, enhanced the repertories of the first permanent theatres in the United States.

This first full-length study of early American Gothic drama examines the relationship between Gothic plays and the developing society in which they flourished. Beginning with an introduction to the rise of Gothic fiction and drama, it discusses topics ranging from the novelty of American artistic talent and critical opinions of Gothic melodramas to the representation of women in the dramas as compared with the reality of the contemporary female plight. The history of the plays presented here reflects the conflicts surrounding American artistic endeavors and the artists who made American drama distinct from all others.

39.95 In Stock
Gothic Plays and American Society, 1794-1830

Gothic Plays and American Society, 1794-1830

by M. Susan Anthony
Gothic Plays and American Society, 1794-1830

Gothic Plays and American Society, 1794-1830

by M. Susan Anthony

Paperback

$39.95 
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Overview

In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the production of Gothic plays brought into sharp focus the social turmoil of the critical period between 1794 and 1830. These plays, considered the earliest form of melodrama, enhanced the repertories of the first permanent theatres in the United States.

This first full-length study of early American Gothic drama examines the relationship between Gothic plays and the developing society in which they flourished. Beginning with an introduction to the rise of Gothic fiction and drama, it discusses topics ranging from the novelty of American artistic talent and critical opinions of Gothic melodramas to the representation of women in the dramas as compared with the reality of the contemporary female plight. The history of the plays presented here reflects the conflicts surrounding American artistic endeavors and the artists who made American drama distinct from all others.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780786433377
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date: 08/04/2008
Pages: 203
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.41(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

M. Susan Anthony is an associate professor of Communication and Theatre at Depauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface     
Introduction: “Gothic Mania”: Gothic Plays and American Society, 1794–1830     

1. “Gothic America”: Dramas, Theatres, and American Society     
2. “An Appetite for Gothic”: Productions of Gothic Plays by City, 1794–1830     
3. “The Senseless Brawl of Barbarians”: Profane Plays and Patrons     
4. The “Illustrious Spirit” Meets the “Sanguinary Monster”: Characterization of Males in Gothic Plays     
5. “Angel-Maids” and “Withered Flowers”: The Gothic Heroine     
6. “An Exquisite Treat for Feeling Minds”: Acting and the Female “Stars” of Gothic Plays     
7. “Dreadful Thunder” and “Lurid Lightning”: Spectacle in Gothic Plays     
8. “What Dreadful Place Is This?”: Women and Dangerous Spaces     
9. “A Plain Unvarnish’d Tale”: Adaptations of British Plays for the American Stage     
10. “This Sort of Thing”: Reception of Gothic Plays in America     
11. A Gothic View of America     

Appendix 1     
Appendix 2     
Appendix 3     
Appendix 4     
Appendix 5     
Appendix 6     
Appendix 7     
Notes     
Works Cited     
Index     
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