Ghosts and Outsiders in Gothic Fiction

2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K12955
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Landau Samantha 東京大学, 大学院総合文化研究科, 特任准教授 (70739028)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 英米・英語圏文学 / 英米文学 / 比較文学 / Gothic Fiction / ゴシック小説 / 怪奇小説 / Uncanny Studies / Supernatural Studies

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

During 2020, the pandemic made getting started on the research incredibly difficult because I could not travel to the archives to start gathering materials. Instead, I concentrated on some skills that I need to disseminate the research. I began taking lessons in Yiddish so that I would be able to travel to YIVO in NYC as soon as possible after the pandemic ends. I also started learning how to edit and upload video content, so that I can make video lectures, and discussed with other scholars about whether we could make a podcast related to the topic of this project, Gothic, immigrants, and the supernatural. As for conferences and lectures, I had a conference paper accepted he conference paper “Re/Writing Jewish Folklore: Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride and the ‘Universal’ Zombie” was planned to be given at the Dark Economies 2021: Anxious Futures, Fearful Pasts Conference at Falmouth University (Falmouth, UK) in July 2020, but this has been move to on July 7th, 2021 and will take place online.
In terms of publications, I have one publication I am currently working on and will submit to the Dark Arts Journal, which regards Shirley Jackson's treatment of immigrants, the supernatural, and magic in her fiction.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

The reasons for the delay are being unable to travel to the US to do archival research during 2021 due to the COVID19 pandemic. Other logistical concerns include delayed delivery of research materials such as books from abroad, and the delay or cancellation of conferences at which I would give academic lectures.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

This year, I plan to give two lectures, one at the symposium I am planning with Dr. Sarah Olive (U York, UK), which will be the inaugural event for our "Gothic in Asia" Network, and the other at the Dark Economies Conference mentioned above. I also hope to get vaccinated so that I can travel to the YIVO and conduct the archival research that I was unable to in 2020.

Causes of Carryover

I intend to travel to YIVO by the end of 2021 so that I can conduct research I was unable to conduct during 2021. I also intend to buy equipment, such as a new laptop computer and a Nikon camera to take pictures of archival documents and record my research for future use. In addition, I will buy books that will assist me in my research.