theguardian.com
Dark Academia and Occult Manipulation in "And He Shall Appear
Kate van der Borgh's "And He Shall Appear" follows a nameless music student at an unspecified Cambridge college who becomes involved with the occult practices of his manipulative classmate, Bryn Cavendish, leading to unsettling events and blurred realities years later.
- What are the lasting implications of the novel's ambiguous ending, and what questions does it leave the reader to consider?
- And He Shall Appear" suggests that the allure of dark academia and the occult can mask darker realities, highlighting the potential for manipulation and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The novel's ambiguous ending leaves the reader questioning the true nature of the events and the lasting impact on the characters.
- How does the novel utilize historical figures like John Dee and Edward Kelley to enhance its narrative and thematic exploration?
- The novel explores themes of manipulation, identity, and the power of belief, drawing parallels between Bryn's occult practices and the historical figures of John Dee and Edward Kelley. The narrator's unreliable perspective underscores the subjective nature of truth and memory.
- What are the central themes explored in Kate van der Borgh's "And He Shall Appear," and how do they relate to the dark academia genre?
- Kate van der Borgh's debut novel, "And He Shall Appear," follows a music student who becomes entangled with a charismatic and potentially dangerous classmate, Bryn Cavendish, at a Cambridge college. Bryn's occult practices and manipulative behavior lead to unsettling events, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the gothic and mysterious aspects of the novel, potentially overshadowing other potential interpretations or themes. The description of the unnamed narrator as 'undistinguished' and Bryn as dominant shapes the reader's perception of the characters and their relationship.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and evocative, but certain phrases like 'devilish composer' and 'darker edge' could be considered loaded. More neutral alternatives might include 'eccentric composer' or 'unconventional methods'.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the plot and characters, potentially omitting critical analysis of the book's thematic concerns or broader literary context. There is no mention of the book's reception or sales figures, which could provide additional context.
False Dichotomy
The review sets up a false dichotomy between dark academia and romantasy, suggesting that one overshadows the other in terms of commercial success and literary merit. This simplifies the complex relationship between genres.
Gender Bias
The female characters (Berenice and Alexa) are primarily defined by their relationships to the male characters, Bryn and the narrator. Their individual agency or motivations are less emphasized.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel is set in a college environment and explores themes of academic life, albeit in a dark and fictionalized manner. It indirectly touches upon the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge, even if the characters' methods are unorthodox and potentially harmful.