Sound Textures in a Christmas Gothic Novel: Markheim from Robert Louis Stevenson

Description

This presentation focused on an analysis of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Markheim," examining its utilisation of sound textures, drawing comparisons with other literary works such as "A Christmas Carol" or "Crime and Punishment." The narrative unfolds on Christmas Day and centres on the character Markheim, who commits murder and grapples with inner turmoil. A prominent feature of the story is its vivid sound descriptions, underscoring the significance of voices and ambient sounds in crafting a multisensory reading experience. These auditory elements not only shape the story's atmosphere and pacing but also evoke feelings of nostalgia and psychological depth in the reader. This analysis highlighted Stevenson's remarkable skill in constructing a "sonic imaginary landscape" that complements the unfolding psychological drama.

Period	8 Dec 2022
Event title	MEMORY, MELANCHOLY AND NOSTALGIA: 7th International Interdisciplinary Conference
Event type	Conference
Location	Gdansk, PolandShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International