Under the suggested topics for the University of Florida Comics Conference, I propose to present a paper that addresses the graphic novel From Hell as an example of literary journalism and as history.

Closely tied to history, however, are the stylistic methods used by Eddie Campbell and Alan Moore to represent this history; therefore, I will show how semiotic theory can be used to analyze the form that made the history of Jack the Ripper uniquely represented in this graphic novel.

In addition to showing how semiotic theory can be utilized to read graphic novels, I propose to read From Hell as a text that both widens and narrows the gap between history and fiction.

Since From Hell is obviously a work of fiction, this will not be a test on its historical veracity; rather, I intend on showing how the form of From Hell, the use of violent "quotes" from other sources depiction of the Elephant Man, and the reference to factual photographs from the crime scene also make the quoting of history itself an act of violence.

Theoretical references will include Walter Benjamin's method and analysis of quotation, and Michel Foucault¼s reading of history.