I will be researching the subject of 'Phantasmagoria' for my major dissertation. I have several reason for my decision.
1) My mother was a spiritualist medium for many years. I personally haven't taken her mantle as it is not an interest of mine. However, I DO want to understand the Victorian/Post World War occupation with the seen vs unseen. Maybe I want to understand my mother more.
2) Relating to 1), I want to understand the psychology behind the literature of the 'Phantasmagoria.' I think the likes of Heigal/Immanuel Kant will be making an appearance. It leads on with my interest in Tim Burton's films. Terror vs Horror - the former is more psychological; the latter more physical.
3) Relating to 2), I found myself interested in German Expresionism, Edgar Allan Poe and Edward Gorey, to name a few.
4) May also tie in Steampunk genre etc.
Possible Book List As Follows
Charlotte Bronte - Wuthering Heights #
Bram Stoker - Dracula #
Mary Shelley - Frankenstein *
Horace Walpole - The Castle of Otranto **
Robert Louis Stevenson - Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde #
# - read it already
* - On the 'To Do' List
** - On the 'To Do' List, but have got audiobook too.
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I will have to put a PP together before I see the dissertation tutor this coming week. Need to think of a cunning essay title too.
