Tropical Gothic in Literature and Culture

Exploring the Gothic genre across the Americas, Tropical Gothic in Literature and Culture examines its diverse national traditions and cultural influences.

This book delves into the complexities of the Gothic genre as it manifests in literature, film, and culture across the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas. By exploring various national traditions, including those from Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Argentina, it highlights how regional expressions of the Gothic emerge in places like the US South and the Caribbean. The authors examine the transnational movements of Gothic themes and motifs, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these narratives flow across borders and cultures.

Tropical Gothic in Literature and Culture is structured around geographical coordinates, allowing for a nuanced exploration of Gothic traditions within the Southern hemisphere. This approach not only enriches the critical discourse surrounding the Gothic but also addresses a notable gap in existing literature. While the Southern Gothic in the US has been extensively studied, this volume seeks to broaden the scope by pinpointing varied locations where Gothic elements arise, thus contributing to a richer understanding of the genre within a larger regional context.

The book also reflects on the historical and cultural legacies that shape the Gothic in these areas, including the impact of European colonialism and the African diaspora. By examining how these histories inform contemporary Gothic narratives, Tropical Gothic in Literature and Culture offers insights into the complexities of cultural production and the significance of linguistic translations in the Gothic tradition across the Americas.