Princess Diana, the Gothic Heroine
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8 ай бұрынLearn more about The Yellow Wallpaper: • How 'The Yellow Wallpa...
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In 1981, Lady Diana Spencer leapt into the nation's hearts and became the quintessential fairytale princess. But, as we all know, she did not get her happily-ever-after. Fast forward to 2021, and you'll find her losing her mind and running frantically through the hallways of Sandringham in Pablo Larraín's 2021 film, 'Spencer'. She has been fashioned into the ultimate Gothic heroine.
But how did we get here? In this video, I examine spooky 200-year-old literature to find out exactly how Diana transforms from fairytale princess to 'mad woman in the attic'.
*Content warnings*: eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, abuse.
Written, presented, and edited by Rosie Whitcombe
@books_ncats
Directed, produced, and edited by Matty Phillips
@ma_ps_
mphotos.uk
Bibliography coming soon!
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@newworldastrology1102 8 ай бұрын
Marrying Nosferatu was definitely a gothic move.
@Boddieize 5 ай бұрын
😂😂😂😂
@justkiddin84 5 ай бұрын
Aaaaa! Love this.😂
@moustik31 4 ай бұрын
Please! 😂🤣
@ashmcgraw3894 5 ай бұрын
Anne Boleyn and Princess Diana are literally related! Anne Boleyn is Princess Diana’s 13th great aunt.
@m-alexandria-g 3 ай бұрын
You and I are literally related. Everyone is if you go back far enough. My goodness; how silly.
@NeighborhoodOfBlue 2 ай бұрын
@M. Alexandria Gail I bet you're the kind of woman that reminds little girls in your sunday school class that they aren't special.
@louisachalarca6494 2 ай бұрын
Oww ur reductionism is hurting my brain do you not understand history and ancestry. Did you just learn about Adam and Eve and equal we all come from those two
@jimanderson5883 8 ай бұрын
I completed my doctoral dissertation in English on Princess Diana about 20 years ago--how her life paralleled different fairy tales, and how fairy tales play a role in our daily lives, i.e., the American Dream.
@books_ncats 8 ай бұрын
Oh wow, how interesting. Did you ever publish it/parts of it? Thanks for commenting - Rosie
@RodneyAndMeVideos 5 ай бұрын
Would love to read it!
@justkiddin84 5 ай бұрын
Cool! Great idea.
@naftalibendavid 4 ай бұрын
Is it on Google Scholar or something? Sounds really interesting.
@maysummers9557 8 ай бұрын
Mouse the Cat is just a scene-stealer, isn't he?
@isabellegrimshaw4378 7 ай бұрын
Don't know how I didn't connect Diana with the gothic before! Changed my perspective on Spencer too
@crypewstoast5629 5 ай бұрын
i love how the cat just sits there just chilling during the chair segments that probably had multiple takes but the cat is so happy to hang out and chill during these recordings
@books_ncats 4 ай бұрын
hahaha in fact the cat is often the reason we go through multiple takes... - Rosie
@christianburton1652 8 ай бұрын
Your channel really makes me miss my college days. I got my BA in English lit almost 10 years ago and I sometimes wish that I could go back to that time just to experience those lectures and discussions all over again. Videos like this definitely scratch that itch for me- so thank you for taking your time to make this amazing content for us! It’s very much appreciated 💕
@books_ncats 7 ай бұрын
Aw thank you very much, I loved going to lectures and seminars during my literature degree. Glad I’m replicating a little bit of that here! - Rosie
@OakydeerPart2 4 ай бұрын
This video is WAY too good and I must have broken a world record with how quickly I clicked subscribe.
@curiousworld7912 8 ай бұрын
Just some notes, but my understanding of Henry VIII/Anne of Cleves was more of a diplomatic issue with her brother, which foundered the marriage. The phrase 'Flemish mare' was an 18th cent. invention. Henry and Anne actually became quite friendly in later years. As to Diana; I've always wondered how, as a Spencer, she could seem so clueless about monarchical 'doings'. Spencers have been marrying into such roles, for centuries. However, I do see how the public has shaped their personal narratives onto her, beginning with the announcement of her 'fairy tale' engagement to Prince Charles. And, as the marriage became less happy, as was widely reported, a gothic narrative became a good fit. Stories of her eating disorders, or something about falling down some steps, as well as the distant husband, all fit seamlessly into the Gothic. I enjoyed your comments, and am next watching your video on 'The Yellow Wallpaper'. It's long been one of my favorite stories, and I'm anxious to hear your thoughts. Thank you. :)
@books_ncats 8 ай бұрын
Thanks for this, that’s interesting about Anne of Cleves, I’ll have a look into it. Hope you enjoy our video on ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ 💛 - Rosie
@motorcitymangababe 5 ай бұрын
Iirc there was also an issue of him trying some under-cover clandestine meeting and freaked her out (cause some random dude started coming onto her) and embarrassed the shit out of him (which, no shit dude) They got on later, but I think that put their relationship on the wrong foot and she was smart enough to take the out and in doing so made room for something more healthy between them.
@justkiddin84 5 ай бұрын
From what I remember, Diana was excessively over protected. She was very young when they forced him on her.
@justkiddin84 5 ай бұрын
@@motorcitymangababe She was smart enough to become relatively free in her time. Left alone to live. Imagine her coming to London with not one single clue, and some maid telling her the horror story of the previous queens. She is in Bluebeard’s castle. But like Scheherazade, she slips off to the side.
@illiardbilliard2355 4 ай бұрын
To be completely honest, the only piece of media I've seen with Princess Diana was that one video from 1997 where a group of friends were playing Uno while the news played in the background.
@mtnshelby7059 8 ай бұрын
What a charming video. ❤ I don’t know how I missed the gothic viewpoint of the film Spencer, but I sure do see the elements now. (Duh me.) Those teacups though...😂
@books_ncats 8 ай бұрын
Thank you! ❤️ the teacups were £1 each from an antique shop, love finding bargain props haha - Rosie
@fabricdragon 5 ай бұрын
i know this is more about her "story" but i think all of us knew she- or at least the marriage- was doomed in that interview, where she was "in love" and Charles... wasn't. the girl who literally was groomed from childhood, married to the prince who only needed a virgin princess to mother his heirs (and then hopefully die of something suitably gothic so he could marry his true love)? she never had a hope of her happily ever after. and of course she would never be permitted to remarry, or worse! have half siblings to the princes with someone "not even English"
@wrainy_music 3 ай бұрын
I realise this likely wasn't your intention, but this has actually really been helping with my english lit a-level as I study Gothic literature for it!! (it helps that it is one of my favourite genres too!) Thank you so much!!
@books_ncats 3 ай бұрын
Aw yay, I'm glad to hear that! Thanks for watching :) - Rosie
@claudiarichmann9313 8 ай бұрын
Beautifully produced, fascinating video. Thank you!
@books_ncats 8 ай бұрын
Thanks so much ☺️ glad you enjoyed - Rosie
@cogcardio 8 ай бұрын
So excited for this premiere!
@kristinthomsen3175 10 күн бұрын
My cats and I enjoy your series. Usually we are watching on the television where we cannot comment. Diana did have a sad life.
@ilselauwers6009 8 ай бұрын
Hi from Belgium ❤ thank you . An other interesting talk. Have to look into the books you mentioned.
@crabwalk7773 8 ай бұрын
I like how she makes so many authors seem absolutely facscinating.
@books_ncats 8 ай бұрын
Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed ☺️ - Rosie
@Sad_bumper_sticker. 6 ай бұрын
Oh my, that does fit, like Rebekka thinking she will never compare to her predecessor but without the happy wnding of the movie.
@kristinmarra7005 5 ай бұрын
I love everything about these videos. Your content, your delivery, the filming, the sets, the props… Everything. Well researched and interesting. Thanks so much I know that they are a lot of work.
@jonathancano8412 8 ай бұрын
This was sooo good, I’m glad I found this channel.
@books_ncats 7 ай бұрын
Thank you ☺️ - Rosie
@TripleRoux 8 ай бұрын
Love your videos, your takes and Mouse!
@pinkbuninja6536 6 ай бұрын
I have long enjoyed reading fairytales from around the world, so Disney tends to be the last thing to come to mind when I think of fairytales. One of my favorites is called “Earl Mar’s Daughter” and is just absolutely off the wall. We have a prince who was cursed to turn into a bird, not by an evil witch, but by his own mother for disobeying her once before. (By the way, the prince and his mom get along great now, she just hasn’t lifted the curse.) We have the titular Earl’s daughter who gets a pet bird who then becomes a man and she just accepts bird-man as her secret husband. We have Earl Mar, who didn’t know his daughter was married in his own home and birthing children every year, and then we have the wildest wedding party that I wish could be animated, as the Earl tries to marry off his daughter to some other man and the wedding party is attacked by an army of birds that swoop down on the guests, tie the groom to a tree and carry off the Earl’s daughter.
@cyndlehick9777 5 ай бұрын
I love this channel. The perfect format for paying attention lol.
@TheSamSamShow 6 ай бұрын
The way you speak is soooooo engaging! Subscribed🎉
@Bumbelburpen 2 ай бұрын
I am absolutely loving your videos! Also, your cat is so stinking cuuuttee! 😭
@madamepampadour 25 күн бұрын
Bloody hell, that last shot of Krristen Stewart reminded a lot of Greta Garbo's last shot in Queen Christina. Love your posts. Love your cat. Careful with the china!
@theparanormalentomologist2234 5 ай бұрын
Wow! Thanks for the analysis!
@auntieheksold-timemedicine3045 Ай бұрын
I started watching Spencer but lost interest after about 10 minutes. If I'd known it was going to turn into a gothic, I would have kept going!! I need to re-watch it now. I'll do that tonight.
@anamae03 5 ай бұрын
I absolutely loved "The Yellow Wall Paper" when I studied it in college! I can't wait to watch your video on it! I love your videos! New Subscriber! ^_^ Keep up the good work!
@MartinPanduh 8 ай бұрын
Great video! ❤
@books_ncats 7 ай бұрын
Thank you! - Rosie
@play-fool 4 ай бұрын
25:16 - 25:40 brought tears to my eyes. well said and beautifully put.
@veronicaalvarez7507 4 ай бұрын
Subscribing because i love ur attention to detail and ur voice
@gw8872 6 ай бұрын
I have just found your channel and I've watched like 4 of your videos back to back. I'm so obsessed! I love feminist analysis but I've never been super into literature, so thank you so much for introducing me to so many new and interesting perspectives!!
@kingtodd2668 8 ай бұрын
I love this interpretation!
@books_ncats 7 ай бұрын
Thank you! - Rosie
@markthompson180 4 ай бұрын
Just thought I'd jump into the comments and say that your cat is awesome!
@amberfashing1136 4 ай бұрын
Omg your kitty cat is beautiful. ❤
@bigbiggoblin2873 5 ай бұрын
I’ve been creeping around this channel for a while, and I keep coming back to all your vids on the gothic. My current fantasy novel seems to have a lot of gothic elements I hadn’t realized before. Structure keeping people down, heroines, and a hint of supernatural… So many epiphanies, I’ve had to replot everything 😅 Also, you got me reading Shirley Jackson’s short stories beyond just the lottery. Good stuff. Sincerely, A goblin.
@books_ncats 5 ай бұрын
Goblins are always welcome here, I hope to become one one day ❤️ happy creeping! - Rosie
@juliannearlene7244 8 ай бұрын
I would love to know what you think of Gone with the Wind (the book).
@dirgniflesuoh7950 6 ай бұрын
Tanith Lee: Red As Blood, Tales by The Sisters Grimmer.
@eggman37 6 ай бұрын
Ngl I'd dint like Spencer cause I don't like the dramatization of her life. It feels exploitative. She was a such a tragic woman who deserved so much better but even in death she isn't given rest. And the use of Anne feels even more gross cause if anything Diana was Catherine. The peoples royalty only to be thrown aside for the mistress. Idk just all feels gross
@erik9243 4 ай бұрын
It also removes any of her agency throughout the story Which while isn’t much it’s important cause she did ultimately fight back for her power and she deserves to be recognized for her resilience as well as her tragedy.
@neehaa 3 ай бұрын
Camilla was there long before diana, and charles obviously only had eyes for her so Camilla wasn’t really a mistress… That whole marriage was a totally mess and a mistake that should’ve never happened.
@LenaFerrari 5 ай бұрын
Really interesting analysis, I just wish you did a broader analysis of gothic literature and heroines, because you only analyzed two, wich seemed a little specific, almost cherry picking. Although based on my readings of gothic literature were good examples
@books_ncats 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for commenting. We’ve made a three part series on Gothic literature and the heroine tropes if you fancy checking those out! - Rosie
@djadelaney 11 күн бұрын
Wish they'd used the ghost of Katharine Howard tbh
@nicholereed1079 5 ай бұрын
PLEASE tell me you are gonna do something with the northanger abbey themed austen festival this year!
@books_ncats 4 ай бұрын
I'm afraid not! Hadn't actually heard of it haha are you attending? - Rosie
@nicholereed1079 4 ай бұрын
@books_ncats attending September-- the theme this year being based on Austen's parody/love letter to Gothic literature, as Northanger Abbey has tons of references to Radcliffe!
@Traigame2cervezas 2 ай бұрын
You need to check out “LA CASA DE BERNARDA ALBA” of Federico Garcia Lorca
@JulianS-xu6ff 8 ай бұрын
When we appreciate the Gothic and the macabre we don't need to believe in fairytales describing utopia. We don't need a royal cage.
@Esfeurell Ай бұрын
Bookmark 7:50
@azizahamura2592 5 ай бұрын
Kirsten Stewart???!!!!
@thekajalflaneur 3 ай бұрын
Rosie, this video imspired me to revisit my late teen fascination with Diana and remembering of watching her funeral with my gran. I made this short little collection of brooding songs, an ambient, atmospheric sonicscape of the gothic princess. I hope you might like it 🙈 kzfaq.info/sun/PLykh4JAR13Um_Uir4vnS2n4O0xzxdcwzR&si=PZcbDzjq0HsB0KXs
@books_ncats 3 ай бұрын
Omg thank you for sharing this!! How cool. I'll definitely give it a listen. Thanks so much! - Rosie
@bloodandgutz Ай бұрын
is books n cats meant to be like boots n cats and boots n cats
@justkiddin84 5 ай бұрын
Anne Radcliffe rocks! And Charles is the ickiest old horror of a husband I can imagine. Sorry, but I cannot stand him. ✌️♥️
@books_ncats 4 ай бұрын
Radcliffe rocks indeed! Thanks for watching - Rosie
@nuxxy_ 5 ай бұрын
well there are fae vampires these days so fairy tale and gothic have completely outwardly merged regaurdless of nature of the stories
@StephenSinclair-d6n 8 ай бұрын
I write horror stories. I have a playlist on one of the channels...I won't say which one in case I get into trouble with KZfaq....but please ask. Sometimes difficult for "drive on the left" pronounce aluminium properly writers.😢😂.😊.
@moustik31 4 ай бұрын
And Kate Middleton has now mysteriously disappeared from public view. The potential for gothic horror in this family is high. I'd totally write a Shirley-Jacksonesque family diner from the pov of Meghan Markle.
@jws1948ja 2 ай бұрын
chaarles should not be king.
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