DOCSLIB.ORG

Reconciling the Dissonance Between Historic Preservation and Virtual Reality Through a Place-Based Virtual Heritage System

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Reconciling the Dissonance Between Historic Preservation and Virtual Reality Through a Place-Based Virtual Heritage System Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports 2019 Reconciling the dissonance between Historic Preservation and Virtual Reality through a Place-based Virtual Heritage system. Danny J. Bonenberger West Virginia University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd Part of the Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces Commons, Historic Preservation and Conservation Commons, Human Geography Commons, and the Urban Studies and Planning Commons Recommended Citation Bonenberger, Danny J., "Reconciling the dissonance between Historic Preservation and Virtual Reality through a Place-based Virtual Heritage system." (2019). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 4106. https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/4106 This Dissertation is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by the The Research Repository @ WVU with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Dissertation in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you must obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Dissertation has been accepted for inclusion in WVU Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports collection by an authorized administrator of The Research Repository @ WVU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Reconciling the dissonance between Historic Preservation and Virtual Reality through a Place-based Virtual Heritage system. Danny J. Bonenberger Dissertation submitted to the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences West Virginia University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geography Trevor M. Harris, Ph.D., Chair Kenneth Fones-Wolf, Ph.D. Theodore Ligibel, Ph.D. Kenneth C. Martis, Ph.D. Timothy A. Warner, Ph.D. Department of Geology and Geography Morgantown, West Virginia 2019 Keywords: Virtual Heritage, Virtual Reality, Historic Preservation, Digital Heritage, Geographic Information Science, Place, 3D Modeling, Serious Games, Vernacular Architecture, Rebecca Harding Davis, Wheeling, W.Va. Copyright 2019 Danny J. Bonenberger Abstract Reconciling the dissonance between Historic Preservation and Virtual Reality through a Place-based Virtual Heritage system. Danny J. Bonenberger This study explores a problematic disconnect associated with virtual heritage and the immersive 3D computer modeling of cultural heritage. The products of virtual heritage often fail to adhere to long-standing principles and recent international conventions associated with historic preservation, heritage recording, designation, and interpretation. By drawing upon the geographic concepts of space, landscape, and place, along with advances in Geographic Information Systems, first-person serious games, and head-mounted Virtual Reality platforms this study envisions, designs, implements, and evaluates a virtual heritage system that seeks to reconcile the dissonance between Virtual Reality and historic preservation. Finally, the dissertation examines the contributions and future directions of such a Place-based Virtual Heritage system in human geography and historic preservation planning and interpretation. To Kim iii Contents List of Illustrations v Acknowledgements vii List of Abbreviations ix 1. Introduction: Virtual Heritage Dissonance & Opportunity 1 2. Heritage Principles and Challenges for Virtual Heritage 17 3. Envisioning a Virtual Heritage System for Historic Preservation 47 4. A Methodology for Reconstructing Place in Virtual Heritage 72 5. Case Study: Gathering & Processing Data on Rebecca Harding’s Wheeling 95 6. Case Study: Reconstructing Place in Unity3D & HTC Vive 117 7. Evaluating the Place-Based Virtual Heritage System 127 8. Conclusion 139 Reference List 148 iv Illustrations 1.1 Types of Historic Preservation Activities 4 3.1 Verbree’s Plan View, Model View, and World View Re-envisioned 48 3.2 Shared Concerns of Historic Preservation, Cultural Geography, and Virtual Reality 49 4.1 Schema for a Place-Based Virtual Heritage System 73 4.2 Schema Detail: Natural and Human Data 75 4.3 Schema Detail: Material Cultural Data 77 4.4 Schema Detail: Immovable Cultural Heritage 79 4.5 SketchUp 3D Models of Wheeling Heritage 84 4.6 Low-Polygon Human & Animal Prefabs 85 4.7 Schema Detail: Intangible Elements 87 4.8 “Game Immersion” NPC Comic. 91 4.9 Vive HMD Virtual Reality System 93 5.1 Venturi and Rauch’s 1976 “Ghost Structure” at Franklin Court 100 5.2 The Harding House Depicted in a 1906 Photograph 102 5.3 Component Folders of Place-Based VH Case Study 104 5.4 Side-by-side Comparison of Harding House on 1884 and 1853 map. 105 5.5 North Wheeling Historical GIS Detail 107 v 5.6 Width of Dwelling Facades 108 5.7 Dwelling Width Correlated with Number of Bays 109 5.8 Historical GIS of Webster Street Showing Four Data Classes 110 5.9 Rendering Hierarchy of Low-polygon 3D Models 111 5.10 Elevation Textures of Second Presbyterian Church 113 5.11 Addresses & Types of Demolished Dwellings Modeled at Level 3 114 6.1 Digital Elevation Model of Wheeling near the mouth of Wheeling Creek 118 6.2 Early Unity3D Trial: DTM, Water, Vegetation, Fog & High-Polygon Buildings 119 6.3 Bird’s-eye View of the Case Study in Unity3D Scene View 120 6.4 Audio Elements of the Case Study 122 6.5 Vernacular Working Class Dwellings in the HTC Vive 123 6.6 Steam Locomotive & Planing Mill 125 6.7 Rebecca Harding’s Place Explored in the HTC Vive 126 vi Acknowledgements I sincerely appreciate my professors and fellow graduate students in WVU’s Department of Geology and Geography and my dissertation committee for their insightful comments and questions. I am especially grateful to my committee chair and mentor, Trevor Harris. He taught me geography far beyond Geographic Information Systems and demonstrated how to be a professor. His support has strengthened my ability to research and write beyond measure. Thanks to Ken Fones-Wolf, Barb Howe, and Michael McMahon for their substantial role in my academic development, for introducing me to the history of common people and places and showing me that the history of Wheeling and its working class is worth pursuing. Special thanks to Emory Kemp for believing in me and showing the way to lead a research institute. Thanks also to Marshall McLennan, co-founder of Eastern Michigan University’s Graduate Historic Preservation Program for his work at the intersection of geography and historic preservation revealing the potential of cultural landscapes and vernacular architecture to yield insights into past and present places. Ted Ligibel and Nancy Bryk, the past and present directors of EMU’s Historic Preservation program, and professor Matt Cook have continued this tradition while displaying tireless enthusiasm and encouragement, and always placing people and personal relationships first. Our students have inspired me with their talents, curiosity, and creativity. They have produced countless digital models of vernacular dwellings based on digital heritage best practices, though the polygon count of most of their models proved too high for direct use in VR. Among those that should be thanked individually, Judith White and Steffany Wood invested incalculable vii energy and creativity to support my study of the history and geography of Wheeling. Along with Yang Yang, they also contributed greatly in GIS and digitization efforts. Ginny Schomish, Christina Miranda, Rachel Ellenson, and Amara Frontczak researched digital heritage and vernacular architecture in the fledgling Digital Heritage Preservation Lab at EMU. They transformed an empty room into a digital preservation laboratory. Thanks to the people of Wheeling who have opened doors for me and shared their time and resources in support of my research and teaching on antebellum dwellings. Bekah Karelis, Jeanne Finstein, Erin Rothenbuehler, Margaret Brennan, Barbara Pirhalla, Jackie Herrick, Michael Kelly, Thad Podratski, Ray Carney, and Mike Stahl have been especially generous. Thanks also to Beverly Fluty, Snookie Nutting, Heidi Friend, Mike Baker, Wheeling Heritage, the Wheeling Historic Landmarks Commission, and countless others that have devoted countless hours and energy to preserve Wheeling heritage. Thanks to my friends and family for their interest and intangible contributions to this work, especially Zach Mehl and Dave Padot who helped facilitate my study of C#, Pete Batra, who shared insights on assessment, Chris McElroy who recorded Irish voices for the project, and to James Pauer and all of the Woods Warriors who helped keep me going. Above all, I appreciate my wife Kim, children Joe and Nina, and my parents Keith and Mary for their support and encouragement through long years of study, research, and writing. Without them, this dissertation would have been impossible. viii Abbreviations 3D Three-Dimensional ACM Association for Computing Machinery CAA Computer Applications in Archaeology CAVE Cave-Automatic Virtual Environment CIPA International Committee of Architectural Photogrammetry COTS Commercial off-the-Shelf CRGIS Cultural Resources GIS DH Digital Heritage DHPL Digital Heritage Preservation Lab DEM Digital Elevation Model DTM Digital Terrain Model EPOCH European Program for Open Cultural Heritage FPS First-person shooter GIS Geographic Information Systems HABS Historic American
Load more

Recommended publications
  • News of Her Own: Harriett Beecher Stowe's Investigative Fiction
    News of Her Own: Harriett Beecher Stowe’s Investigative Fiction Mark Canada Essay originally published in Ignatius Critical Edition of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 2009. When the Fugitive Slave Law was passed in September 1850, it made news—a lot of news. With predictably diverse opinions, newspapers across the country reacted to both the new law and its aftermath. The Constitution in Middletown, Connecticut, called on readers to support the rule of law, while the New Hampshire Sentinel, Farmer's Cabinet, and New York Independent strongly opposed it, using words such as "obnoxious", "odious", and "iniquitous". Reporting on the transfer of captured fugitive Henry Long's case to a district court, the New York Evangelist encouraged the "friends of freedom" to "contribute the means of carrying the case up to the Supreme Court, in case of Long's conviction." 1 One newspaper reader, however, was not content to let the press wage war on the Fugitive Slave Law or on slavery in general. "You don’t know how my heart burns within me at the blindness and obtuseness of good people on so very simple a point of morality as this", Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote in a letter to her brother Henry Ward Beecher in February 1851. She continued, Must we forever keep calm and smile and smile when every sentiment of manliness and humanity is kicked and rolled in the dust and lies trampled and bleeding and make it a moment to be exceedingly cool! I feel as if my heart would burn itself out in grief and shame that such things are.
    [Show full text]
  • Fixing Historic Preservation: a Constructive Critique of “Significance”
    Peer Reviewed Title: Fixing Historic Preservation: A Constructive Critique of "Significance" [Research and Debate] Journal Issue: Places, 16(1) Author: Mason, Randall Publication Date: 2004 Publication Info: Places Permalink: http://escholarship.org/uc/item/74q0j4j2 Acknowledgements: This article was originally produced in Places Journal. To subscribe, visit www.places-journal.org. For reprint information, contact [email protected]. Keywords: places, placemaking, architecture, environment, landscape, urban design, public realm, planning, design, research, debate, historic, preservation, contructive, critique, significance, Randall Mason Copyright Information: All rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. Contact the author or original publisher for any necessary permissions. eScholarship is not the copyright owner for deposited works. Learn more at http://www.escholarship.org/help_copyright.html#reuse eScholarship provides open access, scholarly publishing services to the University of California and delivers a dynamic research platform to scholars worldwide. Fixing Historic Preservation: A Constructive Critique of “Significance” Randall Mason The idea of “significance” is exceed- Second, once judgments are made projects that tell their particular sto- ingly important to the practice of about a site, its significance is regarded ries. The broadening of preservation historic preservation. In significance, as largely fixed. Such inertia needs to from its curatorial roots has been a preservationists pack all their theory, be overcome, and
    [Show full text]
  • 1. Introduction
    This PDF is a simplified version of the original article published in Internet Archaeology. All links also go to the online version. Please cite this as: Nicholson, C., Fernandez, R. and Irwin, J. 2021 Digital Archaeological Data in the Wild West: the challenge of practising responsible digital data archiving and access in the United States, Internet Archaeology 58. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.58.22 Digital Archaeological Data in the Wild West: the challenge of practising responsible digital data archiving and access in the United States Christopher Nicholson, Rachel Fernandez and Jessica Irwin Summary Archaeology in the United States is conducted by a number of different sorts of entities under a variety of legal mandates that lack uniform standards for data archiving. The difficulty of accessing data from projects in which one was not directly involved indicates an apparent reluctance to archive raw data and supplemental information with digital repositories to be reused in the future. There is hope that additional legislation, guidelines from professional organisations, and educational efforts will change these practices. 1. Introduction Though we are well into the 21st century, responsible digital archiving of archaeological data in the United States is not common practice. Digital archiving of cultural resource management reports in State Historic Preservation Offices, where they are often available by request though perhaps at a cost, is common; however, digitally archiving the datasets and other supporting materials that went into the creation of those documents is not. Though a vocal minority advocates for responsible digital archiving practices (Kansa and Kansa 2013; 2018; Kansa et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Laws and Regulations Requiring Curation of Digital Archaeological Documents and Data
    Federal Laws and Regulations Requiring Curation of Digital Archaeological Documents and Data Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC Prepared for: Arizona State University October 25th, 2012 © 2012 Arizona State University. All rights reserved. This report by Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC describes and analyzes federal requirements for the access to and long-term preservation of digital archaeological data. We conclude that the relevant federal laws, regulations, and policies mandate that digital archaeological data generated by federal agencies must be deposited in an appropriate repository with the capability of providing appropriate long-term digital curation and accessibility to qualified users. Federal Agency Responsibilities for Preservation and Access to Archaeological Records in Digital Form Federal requirements for appropriate management of archaeological data are set forth in the National Historic Preservation Act (“NHPA”), the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (“ARPA”), the regulations regarding curation of data promulgated pursuant to those statutes (36 C.F.R. 79), and the regulations promulgated by the National Archives and Records Administration (36 C.F.R. 1220.1-1220.20) that apply to all federal agencies. We discuss each of these authorities in turn. Statutory Authority: Maintenance of Archaeological Data Archaeological data can be generated from many sources, including investigations or studies undertaken for compliance with the NHPA, ARPA, and other environmental protection laws. The NHPA was adopted in 1966, and strongly
    [Show full text]
  • DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION for HISTORIC RESOURCES By
    DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES by MELISSA EVE GOGO Under the Direction of Mark Reinberger ABSTRACT This paper briefly analyzes the current documentation standards for Federal programs and creates an argument for the use of digital technologies in historic documentation. The technologies of photogrammetry, and laser scanning are addressed as methods for three dimensional modeling and compared to the current standard. Additionally, the issues posed by archiving on digital media are presented and courses of action suggested. Finally, the feasibility of a universal file format for archival purposes is addressed, and current progression toward this goal discussed. INDEX WORDS: Historic resource documentation, Photogrammetry, Laser scanning, Digital photography, HABS documentation guidelines, Digital storage media, Universal file format DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES by MELISSA EVE GOGO B.S., State University of New York at New Paltz, 2005 A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION ATHENS, GEORGIA 2011 © 2011 Melissa Eve Gogo All Rights Reserved DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES by MELISSA EVE GOGO Major Professor: Mark Reinberger Committee: Wayde Brown Ashley Calabria Christine Perkins Electronic Version Approved: Maureen Grasso Dean of the Graduate School The University of Georgia May 2011 iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge my major professor, Mark Reinberger, for agreeing
    [Show full text]
  • Historic Preservation
    Historic Preservation Request We urge Congress to: • support FY 2021 funding of $61 million for State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and $22 million for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs). • provide $18 million for Save America's Treasures. • provide $28 million for competitive grants to preserve the sites and stories of the Civil Rights Movement. • support $10 million for Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization grants for the rehabilitation of historic properties and economic development of rural communities. • continue to support the Historic Tax Credit by cosponsoring the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act (H.R. 2825/S. 2615). • support the legislative proposals recommended by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in its report to the President on the country’s 250th commemoration. Introduction State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) carry out the work of the federal government in the states and tribal communities: finding America’s historic places, making nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, reviewing impacts of federal projects, providing assistance to developers seeking a rehabilitation tax credit, creating alliances with local government preservation commissions and conducting preservation education and planning. This federal-state-local foundation of America’s historic preservation program was established by the National Historic Preservation Act. Established in 1998, Save America's Treasures is a public-private partnership that includes the National Park Service, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and other federal cultural agencies. The grant program helps preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation's rich heritage to future generations of Americans. Since 1999, there have been almost 4,000 requests for funding totaling $1.54 billion.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Resource Management U.S. National Park Service Presented To
    Cultural Resource Management U.S. National Park Service Presented to The Institute for Parks, People and Biodiversity University of California September 6, 2019 Stephanie Toothman, Ph.D. Kalaupapa National Historical Park Cultural Resource Management The National Park Service will protect, preserve, and foster appreciation of the cultural resources in its custody and demonstrate its respect for the peoples traditionally associated with Big Hole National Battlefield those resources through appropriate programs of research, planning, and stewardship. National Park Service Management Policies 2006, Cultural Resource Management, Chapter Five. Cultural Resources: Tangible and intangible aspects of cultural systems, both living and dead, that are valued by or representative of a given culture or that contain information about a culture. Effigy Mounds National Monument Independence National Historical Park Culture/Nature: Natural resources such as fish, clean water, and plant materials may be considered as cultural resources if they support a way of life. Salmon returning to the Elwha River, Olympic National Park Musselshell Meadows, Nez Perce National Historical Park NPS Cultural Resources Classifications • Archeological Resources • Cultural Landscapes • Ethnographic Resources • Historic and Prehistoric Structures • Museum Collections Fort Monroe National Monument Archeological Resources are the sites and material remains of past human life or activities which are of archeological interest such as tools, pottery, rock carvings, and human remains. Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site Jamestown, Colonial National Historical Park Biscayne National Park Petrified Forest National Park Cultural Landscapes represent the combined works of nature and man. They are geographic areas, including both cultural and natural resources associated with a historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Resources Update
    Cultural Resources Update Department of Defense Cultural Resources Program Newsletter Volume 11, No 1, Spring/Summer 2015 The NHPA’s New Home in the US Code—Title 54 By Michelle Volkema with contributions from John Renaud, NPS As you’ve probably already heard, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) has a new home in the United States Code. The NHPA’s previous home was in Title 16 – Conservation, 16 U.S.C. § 470 et seq. Its new location is Title 54 – National Park Service and Related Programs, 54 U.S.C. § 300101 et seq. While the name “National Historic Preservation Act” has been removed from Title 54, the NHPA remains a valid statute of law, P.L. 89-665. As such, referring to sections of the NHPA as “Section 106” or “Section 110” is still correct, as those are sections of the statute and not the code, however their legal citations have changed. While the code revision was a surprise to many, it is actually just another step in a long effort to clean up the U.S. Code undertaken by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel (OLRC) beginning in 1974. The OLRC is an office within the US House of Representatives, and is tasked with maintaining, revising, and updating the U.S. Code. More about the OLRC here: http:// uscode.house.gov/about_office.xhtml;jsessionid=DC0095D711738160D197FBB4B0466803 Signed in 1974, Public Law 93-554 (2 U.S.C. 285b(1)) directed the OLRC to begin cleaning up the U.S. Code, including revision and reorganization. So, in December 2014, when President Obama signed P.L.
    [Show full text]
  • Virtual Reality-Based Experiential Model for Lost Historic
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Texas A&M Repository VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED EXPERIENTIAL MODEL FOR LOST HISTORIC BUILDINGS A Thesis by SIVASAKTHIVEL RAMADOSS Submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE Chair of Committee, Julian Kang Committee Members, Zofia Rybkowski Eric Ragan Head of Department, Patrick Suermann May 2018 Major Subject: Construction Management Copyright 2018 Sivasakthivel Ramadoss ABSTRACT Historic buildings have always been facing severe threats of destruction. Historic buildings are the physical links to our past, and help in forming and imprinting a cultural memory within us. However, when a building gets totally destroyed, the resources available to learn about the past are very limited. The archaeological relics, photographs, sketches, textural records, etc. fail to create a complete picture of the lost structure in our mind due to their unorganized nature and lack of possibility to explore in and around the building. Virtual reality (VR) is an interactive technology that allows people to virtually walk inside built environments using digital tools, and enables us to experience them on a human scale. Virtual heritage (VH) applications have been a popular research area among the Architects, Archaeologists and Historians for more than two decades. Virtual heritage projects, excluding projects developed in the entertainment industry, are predominantly developed by researchers and academicians. These virtual heritage projects mainly focus on either the ‘Process’ (3D reconstruction mechanism) or the ‘Products’ (Virtual Reality systems) but do not consider the end-users, i.e.
    [Show full text]
  • Religion and Realism in Late Nineteenth-Century American
    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 2009 Religion and realism in late nineteenth-century American literature Lisa Irene Moody Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations Part of the English Language and Literature Commons Recommended Citation Moody, Lisa Irene, "Religion and realism in late nineteenth-century American literature" (2009). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 134. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/134 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized graduate school editor of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please [email protected]. RELIGION AND REALISM IN LATE NINETEENTH-CENTURY AMERICAN LITERATURE A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in The Department of English by Lisa Irene Moody B.A., University of Chicago, 1986 M.A., Northwestern University, 1991 December 2009 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Throughout the process of writing this dissertation, I have been guided by many excellent faculty and colleagues, each of whom has added significantly to this project. First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the mentorship of my dissertation director, J. Gerald Kennedy, for his expert guidance, close readings, and overall interest in my graduate studies. Dr. Kennedy has promoted my work and held me to a high personal and academic standard, for which he himself has proven to be an apt role model.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ideology of Self-Making and the White Working Class in Rebecca Harding Davis' Life in the Iron Mills
    REDEN Revista Española de Estudios Norteamericanos / Noviembre 2020. Volumen 2 The Ideology of Self-making and the White Working Class in Rebecca Harding Davis’ Life in the Iron Mills Sofía Martinicorena Universidad Complutense de Madrid Sofía Martinicorena The Ideology of Universidad Complutense Self-making and the de Madrid White Working Class in Rebecca Harding Davis’ Life in the Iron Mills ebecca Harding Davis’ novella Life in the Iron Mills, published in 1861 in R The Atlantic Monthly, is now considered a landmark of early American realism. This paper analyses the text’s depiction of the white working class and the ideological consequences of the myth of upward mobility and self-making, which are presented as an impossibility to Hugh Wolfe, the story’s main character. I will argue that Davis’ choice to offer a representation of the precarious lives of the workers of Northern industrial capitalism implies a criticism of the quintessentially American narrative of ABSTRACT upward mobility, and a subsequent reflection on how foundational narratives operate in a society that is not homogeneous in terms of race or class. More specifically, I will maintain that Life in the Iron Mills operates as a contestation to the myth of the self- made man, evinced by the comparison between Hugh Wolfe’s situation and that of the mill owners, who encourage his aspirations from an oblivious position of privilege. Lastly, Hugh’s tragic death will be taken as proof that the myth of self-making mystifies the actual social and economic dynamics of industrial capitalism. Key Words: Realism; Harding Davis; self-made man; capitalism; ideology.
    [Show full text]
  • Miasmatic Ghosts in Rebecca Harding Davis's 'Life in the Iron-Mills'
    Peterson: Miasmatic Ghosts 39 Miasmatic Ghosts in Rebecca Harding Davis’s ‘Life in the Iron-Mills’ Lauren S. Peterson University of California at Davis _____________________________________ Abstract: This paper accounts for the Gothic elements in Rebecca Harding Davis’s ‘Life in the Iron- Mills’ by contextualizing its references to ghosts within mid-nineteenth-century theories of miasma, industrial toxicity, and ghostology. I argue that we can read the ghosts in ‘Life in the Iron-Mills’ as manifestations of the mill’s toxicity. Through their deaths, the mill workers become miasma—a nineteenth-century concept defined as the disease-causing effluvia emanating from organic rotting matter. The iron mill’s hazardous air kills its workers, turning them into undead, disease-spreading agents. This process makes chemical and organic hazardous air indistinguishable in the narrative. Drawing on Stacy Alaimo’s ecocritical framework of ‘trans-corporeality,’ I elucidate the constant exchange of material between workers’ bodies and their toxic, ‘ghostly’ mill atmosphere. The Gothic, with its obsession over bodily boundaries, appositely describes this phenomenon. I show that the ghosts—as representations of dangerous air—have become ‘real’ for us. My reading of the ghosts as miasmatic also accounts for the story’s ending: Hugh’s death and reappearance to the narrator reveal his transformation into a specter comprised of toxicity. The narrator’s impulse to write the story in the first place, I argue, arises from this toxic haunting. Keywords: Miasma; trans-corporeality; material ghosts; realism; Gothic; Rebecca Harding Davis. Author contact: [email protected] Literary Geographies 5(1) 2019 39-53 Peterson: Miasmatic Ghosts 40 Near the opening of ‘Life in the Iron-Mills,’ the narrator invites readers into the stifling atmosphere of an Appalachian iron-works town: ‘I want you to hide your disgust, take no heed to your clean clothes, and come right down with me,—here, into the thickest of the fog and mud and foul effluvia.
    [Show full text]