First: could someone give me a fair and well accepted and
updated academic definition of the term Gothic literature? What are the limitations if any on the actual lead character? Must there always be a main female character endangered?
Is the genre relevant these days? Or does it have to evolve from it's generally accepted definition:
Quote:( often initial capital letter ) being of a genre of contemporary fiction typically relating the experiences of an often ingenuous heroine imperiled, as at an old mansion, where she typically becomes involved with a stern or mysterious but attractive man.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gothic
One hears the term bandied about which covers movies and novels that far stretched beyond this very limited definition.
Is the Gothic genre of literature purely an escapist one? Is it antifeminist?
Who are your favorite Gothic writers: both contemporary or classic?