To read this content please select one of the options below:

The Monster Within: Lily in Penny Dreadful

Gender and Contemporary Horror in Television

ISBN: 978-1-78769-104-9, eISBN: 978-1-78769-103-2

Publication date: 13 March 2019

Abstract

Much like the raw painting of Dorian Gray, this investigation will attempt to glimpse beyond the surface façade of the characters portrayed in ShowTime’s Penny Dreadful. Examining the recurring relationship structures within the series, this chapter will dissect ideas of obsession, passion, and justice. What can the relationship dynamics reveal about notions of a monstrous nature? Like the brush strokes of Dorian’s portrait, each layer of analysis will reveal a broader picture of the term monster, being that which is not only applicable to a few individuals, or one particular sex, but a reflection of society. Why are modern day audiences captivated by such character portrayals, and much like the portrait of Dorian Grey, what disturbing truth lurks behind our civilized exterior?

Keywords

Citation

Boon, K. (2019), "The Monster Within: Lily in Penny Dreadful ", Gerrard, S., Holland, S. and Shail, R. (Ed.) Gender and Contemporary Horror in Television (Emerald Studies in Popular Culture and Gender), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 71-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78769-103-220191007

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Kylie Boon