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204
Novel • Fiction
Pennsylvania • 18th century
1798
Adult
18+ years
Wieland by Charles Brockden Brown is a Gothic horror novel written in an epistolary format, in which Clara Wieland recounts the eerie events leading up to the deaths of her brother Theodore, his wife Catherine, and their children after experiencing disembodied voices and mysterious apparitions on their estate. The book explores themes of mental illness, delusion, and supernatural phenomena.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Challenging
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Charles Brockden Brown’s Wieland is praised for its pioneering role in American Gothic literature, with a gripping and eerie narrative that delves into psychological horror. However, some critics note its convoluted plot and archaic language can be challenging for modern readers. Overall, it's a seminal work marked by vivid suspense and moral complexity.
Fans of gothic novels and psychological horror who appreciate classic literature with intricate plots will enjoy Charles Brockden Brown's Wieland. Readers who admire the suspenseful nature of works like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Edgar Allan Poe's tales will find this novel compelling for its exploration of madness and early American settings.
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Francis Carwin
A mysterious and complex character introduced as a trickster figure, bringing mischief and chaos to the narrative through his enigmatic actions.
Theodore Wieland
Clara's brother, depicted as a gentle and passionate man who seeks a spiritual connection, influencing the unfolding events with his strong beliefs.
Henry Pleyel
A friend of the Wieland family, known for his intellectual interests and the tension arising from his interactions with Clara and his own romantic entanglements.
Wieland, Clara's Father
A figure marked by religious fervor and mental illness, whose tragic fate and mysterious death serve as a catalyst for the story's events.
Mrs. Baynton
A friend of the Wieland family who provides support and a setting for significant plot developments when needed.
Louisa Conway-Stuart
A young girl depicted as beautiful, sweet, and virtuous, with a family history that enriches the narrative's exploration of personal downfall.
Major Stuart
Louisa's father whose backstory offers insights into the consequences of unchecked emotion and the quest for vengeance.
Judith
Clara's maid, who becomes involved with Carwin and plays a part in the unfolding drama through her actions and background.
Thomas Cambridge
Clara and Theodore's uncle on their mother's side, fulfilling the role of guardian and offering medical and familial support.
204
Novel • Fiction
Pennsylvania • 18th century
1798
Adult
18+ years
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