Laughter
Penny bloods (sometimes called penny dreadfuls), serialised fiction stories sold for a penny or less in England in the period between 1837 and 1850, are currently studied as part of the history of the Gothic, focusing on the Gothic inheritance that can be found in some penny bloods. While this approach furthers our knowledge of certain penny bloods, it fails to account for the other generic inheritances that can be found in penny bloods, such as melodrama and the picaresque.
This study expands the understanding of early penny bloods by complicating the narrative that the core of the genre lies in its Gothic or violent content, by studying four texts through the lens of humour: The String of Pearls by James Malcolm Rymer, Valentine Vaux by Thomas Peckett Prest, Jack Rann by James Lindridge, and Paul Jones by Pierce Egan the Younger. Analysing the humour that is present on the surface of these stories not only reveals how they engage with their generic inheritances, it also shows the wide range of politics present throughout the genre, both underpinning as well as subverting conventional hierarchies in turn. Through these four texts, this thesis explores the patchwork of influences as well as the wide variety of tropes and story structures that are part of the generic core of the penny blood.
Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australiand online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles,
Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.
Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.
If you have any questions before making a purchase chat with our online operators to get more information.
or find our Questions & Answers