Introduction: Technogothics

Citation

Edwards JD (2015) Introduction: Technogothics. In: Edwards J (ed.) Technologies of the Gothic in Literature and Culture: Technogothics. Routledge Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Literature, 32. London: Routledge, pp. 1-16. https://www.routledge.com/Technologies-of-the-Gothic-in-Literature-and-Culture-Technogothics/Edwards/p/book/9781138797192

Abstract
First paragraph: A radioactive sea monster emerges from Tokyo Bay and ravages the city. The creature’s atomic breath unleashes death and destruction. Bombardments of shells, army tanks, fighter jets and a 50 000 volt electric fence are ineffective. Tokyo is in ruins. Thousands lie dead or wounded. Hospitals overflow with victims. Radiation poisoning is rampant. Survivors evacuate the city, fleeing to bomb shelters. The only hope is a secret weapon, the Oxygen Destroyer, which disintegrates oxygen atoms, leaving organisms to die of a rotting asphyxiation. The device is planted deep in Tokyo Bay. Divers descend into the water, where they find the monster at rest. The weapon is activated. The monster begins to suffocate and resurfaces. It expels a final roar before disintegrating into a massive skeleton. The odious weapon is destroyed by its inventor. He kills himself and the secrets of the Oxygen Destroyer die with him.

Keywords
Gothic revival (Literature); History and criticism; Technology in literature; Gothic fiction (Literary genre)