Wieland by Charles Brockden Brown is a Gothic horror novel written in an epistolary format, in which Clara Wieland recounts the eerie events leading up to the deaths of her brother Theodore, his wife Catherine, and their children after experiencing disembodied voices and mysterious apparitions on their estate. The book explores themes of mental illness, delusion, and supernatural phenomena.

Charles Brockden Brown’s Wieland is praised for its pioneering role in American Gothic literature, with a gripping and eerie narrative that delves into psychological horror. However, some critics note its convoluted plot and archaic language can be challenging for modern readers. Overall, it's a seminal work marked by vivid suspense and moral complexity.

Fans of gothic novels and psychological horror who appreciate classic literature with intricate plots will enjoy Charles Brockden Brown's Wieland. Readers who admire the suspenseful nature of works like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Edgar Allan Poe's tales will find this novel compelling for its exploration of madness and early American settings.

Charles Brockden Brown

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Wieland reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Wieland | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Wieland and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Wieland Summary and Study Guide

Background

Wieland Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 3 

Wieland Introduction-Chapter 3  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-5

Wieland Chapters 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-8

Wieland Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

Wieland Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

Wieland Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

Wieland Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-23

Wieland Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-26

Wieland Chapters 24-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 27 Wieland Chapter 27 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Wieland Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Wieland Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Wieland Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Wieland Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Wieland Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Wieland Essay Topics

Wieland Further Reading & Resources

Wieland

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Wieland?

Reading Age

Book Details