Literature
Would H.P. Lovecrafts Works Be Considered Literary Fiction or Pulp Fiction?
Would H.P. Lovecraft's Works Be Considered Literary Fiction or Pulp Fiction?
Harry Houdini might have found it amusing if H.P. Lovecraft's works were categorized into a single genre. Lovecraft is a genre-defying author whose works span both literary fiction and pulp fiction, each label having its own distinct characteristics and implications.
Origins and Early Publication
Lovecraft's work was originally published in pulp magazines. This moniker is derived from the cheap, unglazed paper (‘pulp’ paper) used for these magazines. It was only through the efforts of August Derleth and Donald Wandrei, who founded Arkham House Publishers to issue Lovecraft’s work in book form, that his body of work was preserved from obscurity.
Understanding the Terms
The term “literary fiction” is one that often provokes debate among critics and readers. “Literary” is derived from “literature,” and its root meaning is written. Therefore, all published fiction can be considered literary. However, the term is sometimes used to speak of a snobbish and narrow taste that includes pretentious and poorly written material.
Literary and Pulp Characteristics
Lovecraft's fiction is subject to considerable scholarly interest and has a wide readership. His work often delves into themes of madness, mental illness, and reactions to nightmare experiences, which set it apart from other authors of his time. While his stories can certainly be classified as pulp fiction by the most literal definition (having been published in 'pulp' magazines), they also possess qualities that make them literary fiction.
Evolution of Appreciation
During Lovecraft's lifetime, his reputation as a writer was limited to the pulp magazines in which his stories appeared. However, over the years, his work has garnered more recognition and appreciation, leading to anthologies of his stories being published in single volumes. What began as pulp fiction has evolved into a form of literary interest.
Detailed Body of Work
Classified as classic horror, Lovecraft’s stories often evoke the eerie and the unknown, reminiscent of authors like M.R. James. However, Lovecraft introduced a unique element by creating a mythos, a detailed and consistent universe, that spans his entire collection of stories. This mythos is far more intricate than the sporadic and isolated stories of his contemporaries, such as ghost stories not unlike those by Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes.
Conclusion
Literary and pulp fiction categories are not mutually exclusive. Lovecraft's works can be placed in both categories due to their genre and the elements of their individual stories. While they were published in ‘pulp’ magazines, the depth and consistency of his mythos and the depth of his exploration of themes such as madness and mental illness elevate his work to the realm of literary fiction.