The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction

by Dorothy Scarborough

"The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction" by Dorothy Scarborough is a scholarly work exploring the theme of the supernatural in English literature, particularly focusing on the Gothic tradition, written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the evolution of supernatural elements across various literary forms, emphasizing their role in shaping reader experiences and reflecting societal beliefs about the unknown. Scarborough aims to highlight the continuity of supernaturalism from the Gothic romance to contemporary literature, illustrating how this genre persists in capturing human fascination. The opening of the work presents a comprehensive preface in which the author discusses the complexities of tackling the topic due to the vast amount of related literature, evident in her extensive bibliography. Scarborough reflects on the enduring presence of the supernatural in both classical and modern writing, drawing connections to human psychology and cultural trends. She sets the stage for the subsequent chapters, which are expected to delve deeper into specific Gothic themes, the rise of modern ghost stories, and the interplay of supernatural elements in various literary contexts throughout English fiction.