Food in Gothic Literature

Horace Walpole was a significant figure in 18th century society, literature, art and architecture. The popularity of his unique summer residence, Strawberry Hill, was a key factor in the emergence of Gothic Revival architecture during the 19th century. His novel, The Castle of Otranto, inspired by a nightmare that he had at Strawberry Hill, is often considered the first gothic novel.

This video considers the gothic genre and the many roles that food and drink play in classic and contemporary gothic texts like Frankenstein, Dracula, Rebecca, and Rosemary’s Baby.