‘The Modern Prometheus’: Gothic Masculinity, Classical Mythology and Forensic Reception in Netflix's 1899

Abstract

Netflix's short-lived Gothic sci-fi psychological thriller 1899 tells of the discovery of a ghost ship by a steam-liner bound for America. All aboard are tested by unexplained deaths, visions of past traumas and impossible events. 1899 exemplifies what Mittell calls ‘drillable media’ (2009), contemporary elaborate and inventive serial TV narratives which encourage the viewer into active reception, rewarding forensic deconstruction and analysis.

The creators sprinkle references to Classical mythology and philosophy throughout 1899, inviting literate, active consumers to use them in forensic reception. Featuring an ensemble cast of 20 principal characters, 1899 offers a variety of ‘masculine’ representations, and all can be described as Gothic. These characters are understood and enhanced through consideration of the allusions to Classical mythology in the text. These echoes enhance and shape the Gothic masculine representations in 1899. Furthermore, the female protagonist is imbued with counter-typical hegemonic gender traits and her connections to mythic and literary characters encourage a questioning of her status as hero.

With reference to Classical reception and Gothic studies, textual analysis and online analytical discourses posted by fans of 1899, this chapter explores the interplay between Gothic male representations, ‘masculine’ traits and allusions to mythology, employing both to create a television series which is both timeless and contemporary.

Citation

Worrow, K. (2024), "‘The Modern Prometheus’: Gothic Masculinity, Classical Mythology and Forensic Reception in Netflix's 1899 ", Le Clue, N. (Ed.) Gender and the Male Character in 21st Century Fairy Tale Narratives (Emerald Studies in Popular Culture and Gender), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 201-213. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-788-420241017