"Was there no escape?": Katherine Mansfield and the Domestic Gothic
Location
Ponderosa Room A
Presentation Type
Presentation
Presentation Topic
Katherine Mansfield, women's issues, literature, gothic, domestic life
Start Date
6-3-2026 11:15 AM
Event Sort Order
22
Abstract
My paper focuses on how elements of the Domestic Gothic are present in Katherine Mansfield's short stories "Prelude" and "At the Bay" which in turn addresses many fears, anxieties, and resentments women have towards the domestic space. Using Joan Lidoff's defining analysis of the Domestic Gothic as a guide, I posit that sisters Linda Burnell and Beryl Fairfield present the unique issues women face in the domestic space and the inner turmoil it produces as a result. Linda's dread towards motherhood stems from her resentments towards pregnancy and childbirth affecting her heath and identity while Beryl's insecurity in staying unmarried develops as she takes on her sister's role in various household duties. Within these two stories, "Prelude" serves as the repression of these attitudes the sisters feel while "At the Bay" works to bring an understanding to the dread and resentment they feel regarding their domestic positions. Working towards this understanding despite our discomfort brings us more benefit compared to continuing to suppress them.
"Was there no escape?": Katherine Mansfield and the Domestic Gothic
Ponderosa Room A
My paper focuses on how elements of the Domestic Gothic are present in Katherine Mansfield's short stories "Prelude" and "At the Bay" which in turn addresses many fears, anxieties, and resentments women have towards the domestic space. Using Joan Lidoff's defining analysis of the Domestic Gothic as a guide, I posit that sisters Linda Burnell and Beryl Fairfield present the unique issues women face in the domestic space and the inner turmoil it produces as a result. Linda's dread towards motherhood stems from her resentments towards pregnancy and childbirth affecting her heath and identity while Beryl's insecurity in staying unmarried develops as she takes on her sister's role in various household duties. Within these two stories, "Prelude" serves as the repression of these attitudes the sisters feel while "At the Bay" works to bring an understanding to the dread and resentment they feel regarding their domestic positions. Working towards this understanding despite our discomfort brings us more benefit compared to continuing to suppress them.
Presenter Bio
Jamie Ripperda graduated from the University of Nebraska- Kearney with her Master's degree in English this past summer. She currently works as a ninth-grade English teacher in Sioux City. Her interests of study include the Gothic, forms of otherness, and nature writing. When she isn't reading, writing, or lesson planning, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors when the weather permits, particularly walking the trails at her local nature preserve.