White Rose of Avalon

Literary Love

  • In Defense of Becky Sharp

    For this week’s Femme Fatale Friday I have decided to choose a character from classic literature.   Becky Sharp is the protagonist of the novel Vanity Fair, and she is often also seen as the villain of that self-same novel.   She is someone who is easy to hate.   However, she is also someone…

  • Tempest Poem

    For today’s post I have decided to share a poem I wrote a long while ago inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest!   I hope you will enjoy it. Tempest by Maranda Wabik Daughter of Prospero; destined magician. A witch of unknown power—but  One of admiration and the cause of wonderment. Caught in a storm, A…

  • Crows and Ravens as Symbols of Deities, and in Popular Culture

    Crows and ravens are birds that evoke much in the way of emotions and passions in people.    This is likely because of the fact that crows and ravens are both associated with deities in multiple cultures.   This would lead to their inclusion in Aesop’s Fables, and later in literature.    In Arthurian legends,…

  • Morgana Le Fay’s Influence in Game of Thrones

    For today’s post I would like to look at Morgan Le Fay’s influence in the characters in Game of Thrones (or as the book series is called A Song of Ice and Fire).    The obvious Morgana connection here is to Melisandre of Asshai.   She is the redheaded witch character.   In many ways…

  • Bellatrix Lestrange: Witch Bitch

    For this week’s Femme Fatale Friday I have chosen a truly fatal female.   In the Harry Potter books there was not a more evil and wicked female magician than Bellatrix Lestrange.    There is literally nothing but blackness and bile in this bitchy witch!    She is an antagonist and rather mad, and is…

  • The Bronte’s, Heroines of Gothic Literature

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN!   For the final day of Gothic week I have decided that the topic will be about the Brontes!    I will be discussing the sisters, their literature, and especially their heroines.   I will focus mainly on my favorite Catherine Earnshaw and on Jane Eyre.    I have to be honest, Anne,…

  • Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Gothic Icon

    For this last Femme Fatale Friday of October, and in celebration of Gothic Week 2021, I have chosen to discuss Mary Shelley!    Mary Shelley was the daughter of the great feminist icon Mary Wollstonecraft and the writer William Godwin.   Mary would lead a rebellious life, making her a perfect choice for Femme Fatale…

  • My Top 15 Essential Gothic Reads

    Hello my lovely readers, and welcome to Gothic Week on White Rose of Avalon!   For day one I have decided to write up a list of my 15 essential Gothic reads.   This will not be a ranked countdown like most of my lists, as it is nearly impossible for me to choose a…

  • Morgana Le Fay as La Belle Dame Sans Merci

    For today’s post I would like to analyze the poem La Belle Dame Sans Merci by John Keats.   This particular analysis will focus on my belief that the Belle Dame of the poem is none other than Morgan Le Fay! Within the poem we meet a knight who is lying near death and tells…

  • My Top 5 Favorite Classic Gothic Fantasy Fiction Works

    For today’s post I have decided to do a countdown of my favorite works of gothic fantasy fiction.    For this countdown I will only be choosing works of classical fiction!   I hope that you enjoy my thoughts.   Without further ado here’s the countdown. Number 5: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and…