It seems fit for the first post of The Neo-Victorian Faux Historian to be in regards to a novel centered around modern scholars solving mysteries, or attempting to. The typical elements that drive Neo-Victorian novels such as desire, history, truth, and romance are all present. However, the most intriguing sentiment of the novel comes early on… Roland, the scholarly protagonist, is seen stealing letters that he hopes will lead him to a massive discovery. It would seem that Roland finds it appropriate to steal the letters so that he is not only the first to make whatever discovery awaits, but that he and he alone is worthy of it. For centuries, written documents have left a trail that allows contemporary folk like you and I to travel backwards. What comes with us, though, when we travel backwards? What comes out of a young Graduate student of English travelling back to Shakespeare’s time to interpret The Taming of the Shrew? A modern scientist will look back on the discovery of mankind’s anatomy and have what criticisms or take what for granted, as the modern scientist holds the most accurate knowledge already? There are many schools of thought on how to interpret writing from the past, what to consider about the author when reading such literature, or whether to throw out the author (and possibly their work) entirely. I find myself interpreting life through the lens of a Post-Modernist and yet, whenever a novel opens before me, a Modernist breathes from within. In analyzing Roland’s actions of stealing those letters as a Modernist, I find myself focusing on the symbolism, the metaphor… Theft is surely created out of necessity. What need did Roland have? The desire for knowledge? Fame? Theft also occurs out of a feeling that someone is owed something, that they should take it for themselves at whatever cost. To be an individual with such thoughts that occur in a library, no doubt, an archive for all implies a blatant disregard for others. Is this echoed elsewhere in Roland’s life? I’ll not spoil too much in case you take it upon yourself to read Byatt’s work, though I will give you a hint to consider Roland’s romantic life. Roland’s action is a minor one in the sense that it is grazed over, though it is arguably of major significance. It allows for an illustration of what someone brings with them when reading a text that came from the past. Roland’s theft shows his motivation in reading and what biases might arise. If one were to read something with hopes of fame or a large discovery awaiting them, would letters not read juicier? Would landscape paintings not cry to be more than water and trees? As a Graduate student who is taking a Neo-Victorian novel course in hopes that it provides her more tools to make her successful in analyzing Gothic Literature and Film, I can assure you… When I read literature from the past, or am given an assignment, I am never taking it at face value. I am always looking for a useful tool to add to my collection. "These superfluous adjectives were the traces of his own views, and therefore unnecessary." - Byatt, Possession, pg. 325.
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About the Faux HistorianAs a Graduate student at Wright State University, Kayelynne Harrison found herself studying Neo-Victorian Literature as she pursued her Master of Art's Degree in ENG: Literature. This page is a small reflection of the work she has accomplished in her last semester. Though preferring to study Gothic Literature and Horror Film analysis, where she hopes her future lies, these Neo-Victorian studies prove helpful in Kayelynne's journey. Archives
April 2021
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