Gothic Literature & Women: The female history of horror

How have horror and ghost stories challenged gender norms? Explore the feminist side of Gothic literature. With Q&A.

The new Wuthering Heights adaptation is here. But why has there been so much fuss over it?

Many beloved Female Gothic adaptations tend to highlight romance over the darker, more unsettling aspects of these narratives. The adaptations completely ignore the horror of domesticity. From Wuthering Heights to Rebecca, the central figures are not simply swoon-worthy lovers – they often reflect the complex and sometimes abusive dynamics at the heart of these stories.

Join Dr Maisha Wester as she explores the intimate connections between the Gothic and First-wave Feminism. Tracing back to the French Revolution, Dr Wester will examine how these moments shaped both Gothic literature and early reflections on women’s rights. We will journey through different novels across time, from Leonora Sansay’s nightmare love affair in A Secret History to Anne Rice’s deviously delicious Vampire Lestat. Join us to discover the Gothic genre, its origins and how these romanticised portrayals continue to shape the imaginations of audiences today.

Doors open at 6:30pm, talk starts at 7pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

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Speaker Bio

Dr. Maisha Wester is an Associate Professor and a recent British Academy Global Professor. Her interests focus on social oppression in Gothic Literature and Horror Film.