Mary's Gothic Phose: Ann Radcliffe's Expropriation of Disciplic Femininity

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In Folder: Theses (2018)

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Mary's Gothic Phose: Ann Radcliffe's Expropriation of Disciplic Femininity

Despite the enormous popularity of her Gothic novels during her lifetime, author Ann Radcliffe (1764-1823) left behind little documentation of her life and religious beliefs. The latter, however, plays a significant role in her most famous novel, The Mysteries of Udolpho. A close reading of that text reveals frequent instances in which Radcliffe places female characters, clearly modeled on biblical disciples such as Mary Magdalene and Martha, within gothic contexts. Yet scholars have largely ignored this aspect of her work. This presentation examines the ways in which she constructs an amalgamated faith that claims theological space for female disciples. Radcliffe at once explores the space allotted for women within Christianity and formulates an idealized space for them beyond it. Radcliffe is thus revealed as a feminist theologian who, contrary to conventional interpretations, deliberately employed the gothic as a means of exploring her faith and giving voice to female discipleship.

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Record Origin: Mary's Gothic Phose: Ann Radcliffe's Expropriation of Disciplic Femininity

Record Creation Date: 2021-03-18

Description Standard: MODS

Title: Mary's Gothic Phose: Ann Radcliffe's Expropriation of Disciplic Femininity

Persons: Reilly, Samantha

Resource Type: Thesis/Dissertation

Date Created: 2018-04-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Decade: 2010s

Campus Location: N/A

Language: English

Extent and Media: PDF/OCR ; .96 MB

Physical Form: N/A

System of arrangement: DACS

Subject LCSH: Feminism; Gothic fiction; Radcliffe, Ann Ward, 1764-1823; Theologian; Women in the Bible

Subject Local Topic: Pyrenees; Apennines (Italy)

Biography or History:

Custodial history: Transferred to the Emmanuel Archives from the author.

Acquisition Information: Transferred to the Emmanuel Archives from the author.

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Accrual Information: Theses are collected on an annual basis in the spring semester

Conditions Governing Access: Access to document is governed by a license signed by the author

Conditions Governing Reproduction: Requests for permission to publish material from this thesis is governed by a license signed by the author. Contact the College Archivist.

Collection Title: Distinction in the Field: Senior Theses

Location of Originals: Digital Folder: Reilly_S

Alternative Form Available: N/A

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