Penny dreadfuls

Definition

Penny dreadfuls were inexpensive, sensational fiction publications that gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in England. Aimed primarily at the working class, these stories often featured thrilling adventures, crime, horror, and melodrama, catering to the public's appetite for entertainment during a time of rapid social change. The emergence of penny dreadfuls marked a significant development in the rise of genre fiction, as they helped establish narrative formulas and conventions that would influence later popular literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Penny dreadfuls were typically sold for one penny, making them accessible to the lower classes, which fueled their popularity in urban areas.
2. Many famous characters and tropes in horror and crime fiction originated in penny dreadfuls, influencing later works by authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Arthur Conan Doyle.
3. The publication of penny dreadfuls often involved illustrations, adding a visual element that attracted readers and heightened the storytelling experience.
4. While often dismissed as lowbrow literature, penny dreadfuls played a crucial role in shaping public taste and paving the way for modern genre fiction.
5. The decline of penny dreadfuls came with the rise of more sophisticated forms of entertainment and changes in reading habits in the late 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did penny dreadfuls reflect the social conditions of the 19th century and their appeal to working-class readers?
  • Penny dreadfuls emerged during a time of significant social upheaval in the 19th century, addressing themes of crime and adventure that resonated with working-class readers facing industrialization and urbanization. These publications provided an escape from everyday life while offering sensational tales that echoed the struggles and aspirations of their audience. Their affordability made them widely accessible, enabling a growing readership among those who craved thrilling narratives without the means to purchase more expensive literature.
• In what ways did penny dreadfuls contribute to the evolution of genre fiction and influence later literary works?
  • Penny dreadfuls established key narrative structures and conventions that would later be foundational to genre fiction, especially in crime and horror genres. By popularizing serial storytelling and character archetypes, these publications influenced renowned authors like Arthur Conan Doyle with his Sherlock Holmes stories. This innovation helped shape reader expectations for suspenseful plot twists and engaging characters, laying the groundwork for modern genre writing.
• Critically analyze how the sensationalism found in penny dreadfuls both reflected and shaped cultural attitudes toward morality and entertainment in Victorian society.
  • The sensationalism present in penny dreadfuls not only mirrored Victorian society's fascination with crime and moral ambiguity but also contributed to shaping public discourse on these topics. By dramatizing criminal acts and depicting heroic figures battling evil, these stories both entertained and provoked discussions about morality, justice, and societal norms. As such, they served as a reflection of contemporary anxieties while simultaneously influencing how audiences perceived issues related to law enforcement, class struggles, and gender roles during this transformative period.

Related terms

serial fiction: A format where stories are published in installments over time, keeping readers engaged and eager for the next part.

Victorian literature: Literature produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), characterized by its focus on social issues, morality, and an evolving narrative style.

sensationalism: A style of writing that emphasizes shocking or exciting events to provoke a strong emotional response from readers.