11/06/2026 Existential Critical Theory - What is it and Why is it Important
In big news this week, Dr. Lisa Wood released an exciting new framework designed to take a critical look at horror, namely works of speculative fiction.
I am not an academic so I had to ask Dr. Wood what exactly ECT was and when she told me, I immediately saw how important this would become. Naturally, I requested an interview to help support her efforts when the work was published. I have seen the full theory and presentation for myself and she will be teaching it at several conferences. If you get the chance to see the presentation, I strongly encourage you to do so.
Learn more about ECT below!
What is Existential Critical Theory (ECT) in laymen’s terms?
Existential Critical Theory (ECT) is a framework that can be used to understand speculative fiction texts. It sits outside of traditional literary theories that consider what happens when a variable is tested. Instead, it explores the result when reality becomes unstable and asks, ‘What happens if structure itself fails?’ It effectively asks the question, ‘Now what?’
Why is ECT important and where does it fit within other academic theories like it?
ECT can be applied to many works to provide an alternate criticism, specifically because it explores when reality and knowledge become structurally unsustainable as well as the characters’ response to that instability. It doesn’t try to explain existence nor outcome – it looks at how the event changes what comes next. For example, psychoanalytic theory examines how emotions and thoughts are unconsciously revealed in stories, exploring symbolism.
Post-structuralism focuses on identifying multiple definitions and rejecting the singular. The New Criticism lens focuses on the closed nature of the subject matter, assessing a piece as a contained effort without externa influences. While ECT aligns with some of the considerations in many of these existing frameworks, it steps away from the way that they assess work and, ultimately, define it. ECT states that while the outcome of 1+1 is interesting, what happens if the foundation of the equation- of math itself – shatters? How then do we assess the answer?
What are the practical applications of this theory or understanding it and other frameworks like it?
For those who enjoy writing about writing, literary theory is a way to not only understand the work itself, but also to gather meaning outside of what is shown on the page. In each literary creative space, (mainstream, upmarket, literary fiction alike) the meaning of life and death, of faith, of apathy, of awareness in general can be interrogated through the many lenses that exist.
These frameworks put literature through the paces, identifying characteristics and assessing meaning – the meaning of text, the meaning of viewpoint, the meaning of account. They do well in, at least, assuming understanding, assuming connection. Very much like in genealogy, critical frameworks must make assumptions and draw conclusions as research findings grow thin.
Some genres lose meaning when those lenses are applied because the inherent focus is in a place that is not the center of speculative work. ‘Why’ is often less important than ‘what’ in speculative material. ECT is particularly helpful in psychological and quiet horror, where footing is not easily gained and/or maintained by readers throughout the tale.
Would non-academic writers find this theory useful in their writing projects or is this more of a tool to analyze rather than instruct or inform modern writing ?
Academics will find ECT useful as they explore more varied works. Creative authors might find validation in the context of their stories as they review the framework against their own work.
What was the hardest part of this project, research wise?
I think the answer to that is outside of putting ECT together. The hardest part was trying to cram horror into other frameworks to make them fit when I was a student. Once I realized that the other frameworks inherently approached horror and speculative fiction from a perspective that is not suited for what the work actually does (Even the premise of Dracula by Bram Stoker falters under the critique of Feminine, Queer, and Marxist critical theories), I searched for ways to, at minimum, have horror text understood (read SEEN).
What did you discover during this process that most surprised you?
I enjoyed the process of thinking critically about questions I ask myself about life and existence, and using them to hone and define the framework. The six pillars (Isolation, Freedom/Control, Meaninglessness, Death, Destination/Result, Psychic Awareness) come together to center the individual as the core around which purpose and result orbit. The six pillars of ECT center around questions like: Are we alone in the world?; Is control false?; Can meaning be derived by death?; Is there a psychic plane where truths are uncovered? Existential Critical Theory can be applied to texts by utilizing overarching tenets such as Structural Disintegration and Structural Fluidity.
What other texts do you suggest if someone wanted to learn more on frameworks and theory ?
Monster Theory by Jeffrey Jerome Cohen is fun- it gives another perspective on how to analyze horror.
What’s next for L. Marie Wood?
I have a few things happening, actually! I will present this framework at a few academic conventions and participate in academic programming at conferences such as PCA (Pop Culture Association) and MAPACA (Mid-Atlantic Popular & American Culture Association). I will also monitor the progress of ECT as it is used at University of Leeds in the UK and Lone Star College in Texas.
On the creative side, I just wrapped my five-book slipstream project (The Red Thread Saga) and will have three projects coming out in 2027, including a novella from Undertaker Books, a novel from Shortwave Publishing, and a craft textbook on horror subgenres from Mocha Memoirs Press.
Lisa's Website
NIGHTTIDE MAGAZINE - ECT BY L. MARIE WOOD
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