The Sculptural Body in Victorian Literature
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
This book argues that, in Victorian literature, transgressive desires that cannot be openly acknowledged are often buried and encrypted in the marble bodies of statues.
This author delves into the rich tapestry of nineteenth and twentieth-century literature, art, and culture, with a particular fascination for decadent writing and aestheticism. Their scholarly pursuits explore queer studies and the intricate relationship between art and the transitional object within supernatural tales. Committed to illuminating literary heritage, this writer contributes to academic discourse through impactful publications and the organization of international conferences that breathe new life into Victorian and neo-Victorian narratives.


This book argues that, in Victorian literature, transgressive desires that cannot be openly acknowledged are often buried and encrypted in the marble bodies of statues.
By integrating psychoanalytic theory with socio-historical criticism, Patricia Pulham examines Vernon Lee's fantastic tales through the lens of D.W. Winnicott's 'transitional object' theory. She posits that the past in Lee's narratives represents both historical and psychic dimensions. The 'ghosts' in her supernatural fiction symbolize intricate meanings crucial to Lee's intellectual growth, enabling her to navigate alternative identities and express transgressive sexualities.