Contesting the Gothic

Exploring the evolution of Gothic fiction, this account challenges the notion of a stable tradition by highlighting its diverse and often conflicting elements from Walpole to Scott. It emphasizes the political significance of the novels and investigates the complex relationships among writers. The analysis culminates in a discussion of Scott's fluctuating critical reputation and the persistent misconceptions of the Gothic as a singular, unified genre, revealing the genre's rich and multifaceted history.