When saying the literary genre “classics” out loud, all that anyone ever thinks of is William Shakespeare or Jane Austen (both of whom I love). But what of horror or queerness? They have every bit of a right to be prominent as classics’ sub-genre, which is something often left unspoken about in a college classroom. Some of the best literature has come from this sub-genre of classics, and I want to highlight them today. They are all instrumental to classics as a whole, so don’t forget to take notes!
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu (1872)
One of the first vampire books ever written, this work negates all the typical vampire tropes we all know today (no one shines in this one). Taking place in an Austrian forest where a castle is hidden within, Laura lives in this lonely castle with her dying father. Everything is normal, routine, and familiar until the alluring Carmilla literally crashes into Laura’s view. This relationship — I mean “friendship” between Laura and Carmilla starts a dream that is too insatiable to resist. Laura knows that Carmilla is just a little strange and very nocturnal…and why is Laura feeling a little faint? Well, you just might have to read this enticing novel to find out.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890)
Dorian Gray wants it all: eternal youth and beauty in exchange for his soul. Taking place in late 19th-century England, Gray plummets further into criminal life and pure sensuality. A portrait of him lingers within the depths of his house, out of sight; he doesn’t want anyone to see his true self, which is appalling, evil, and old. While his body retains his youth, his soul dies more and more over the century and reveals horrors about himself he’d wished to have never seen. This queer tale is an undeniable classic and a must-read for any English major.
Exquisite Corpse by Poppy Z. Brite (1996)
Content Warning: This modern classic is dark, complex, and not for the occasional reader. Please read on with caution.
Andrew Compton considers murder to be a more…intimate form of art. He travels across the United States to show off his new passion in life after faking his death in prison and escaping. Compton finds a partnership with Jay Byrne, who shares a mutual devotion to his extreme art form. Then, they set their murderous sights on Tran and his former lover, Luke Ransom, who is dying of AIDS in New Orleans. The four cross paths one night, ultimately leading to monumental changes none anticipated seeing.
These classics are essential to the overarching genre, and it’s important not to leave them out! And before you say classics are boring, try these ones out and then comment below.
Check out this list of amazing classics from Bookstr’s own list!
Need more LGBTQ+ literature? Click here!
