We invite submissions for a special edition exploring the theme of monstrosity in Gothic history, culture, and society. Monstrosity has been a central preoccupation of Gothic culture and offers rich opportunities for interdisciplinary research. At its core, monstrosity refers to a state of being that deviates from the norm and is often associated with fear, horror, and disgust.
Throughout history, Gothic writers, artists, and filmmakers have used monstrosity to explore themes such as otherness, identity, and power. The monster is a potent symbol that can embody fears and anxieties and can challenge our assumptions about the world and ourselves.
From Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ to Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula,’ and Edgar Allan Poe’s tales of terror to Guillermo del Toro’s films, monstrosity has been a pervasive and enduring theme in Gothic culture.
Possible topics for this call might include:
- Representations of monstrosity in Gothic literature, comic books, games, and film
- Monstrous figures in Gothic art and visual culture
- Gothic monsters and the body
- Monstrosity and the uncanny in Gothic culture
- Gothic monsters and religion
- Monstrosity and technology in Gothic culture
- Monstrosity and the environment in Gothic culture
- Monstrosity and the posthuman in Gothic culture
- Monstrosity and the abject in Gothic culture
- Monstrosity and disability in Gothic culture
- Monstrosity in Gothic history, including representations of monsters in art, literature, and other cultural artifacts, as well as the social and cultural contexts that shaped the production and reception of these works.
We are particularly interested in articles that offer innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of monstrosity in Gothic culture and history and that engage with contemporary debates and conversations in the field. We also welcome articles that examine lesser-known works or cultural artifacts and that foreground voices that have been traditionally marginalized.
Submission Guidelines:
- Articles should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words.
- All submissions must be in English and follow the style guidelines of Chicago.
- Manuscripts should be in Microsoft Word format, double-spaced, and use 12-point font.
- Submissions should be sent via our form below, and there is no submission deadline. Please include a brief abstract (250 words) and a short bio (100 words) with your submission.
- All articles will undergo blind peer review by experts in the field.
- Acceptance is based on originality, clarity, and relevance to the topic.
We look forward to reading your work and exploring the many facets of monstrosity in Gothic history, culture, and society and how it has impacted and shaped the Gothic tradition in all its fields, including recent media like comic books, games, and films.
