GOTHIC LITERATURE

WHAT IS GOTHIC LITERATURE?  Subgenre of Romantic literature that is characterized by grotesque characters, bizarre situations, and violent events.

ROMANTICISM  In addition to the standard gothic machinery above, many gothic novels contain elements of romance as well. Elements of romance include these: 1. Powerful love. 2. Unrequited love 3. Tension between lovers because of family 4. Well-being of female is threatened. 5. Lovers parted 6. Rival lovers/multiple suitors.

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?  Gothic literature originated in Europe. It branched off from Romanticism and quickly gained popularity in the 18 th century.  This genre was popular in the United States during the late 1700’s-mid 1800’s.

Writers  Well known authors: Melville Poe Hawthorne  Gothic literature became popular with female writers too. Ann Radcliffe-The Mysteries of Udolpho Mary Shelly –Frankenstein  The Gothic movement did not just influence writers: Poets, Architects, Gardens, Artists

 Isolated!  Setting in a castle or mansion.  Dark chambers, dungeons, and winding passageways. ELEMENTS OF GOTHIC LITERATURE

 Atmosphere of mystery and suspense.  Mysterious disappearances and reappearances ELEMENTS OF GOTHIC LITERATURE

THE FEAR IS IN THE DETAILS  Howling wind  Doors grating on rusty hinges  Footsteps approaching  Lights on in an abandoned room/house.  Characters trapped in a room.  Ruins  Thunder and lightning  Rain  Sighs, moans, howls, eerie sounds  Clanking chains or unexpected knocks and bangs.  Lights flickering or going out  Doors suddenly slamming shut  Crazed laughter or inaudible whispers.

 High overwrought emotion. ELEMENTS OF GOTHIC LITERATURE

 An ancient prophecy, story, or curse ELEMENTS OF GOTHIC LITERATURE

 Omens, oracles, prophets and visions ELEMENTS OF GOTHIC LITERATURE

 Supernatural beings and events: Ghosts, vampires, doppelgangers, magic, werewolves, etc. ELEMENTS OF GOTHIC LITERATURE

 Stories were often ALLEGORICAL  Religion, or spirituality, is confronted. A related theme was the failure of traditional religion. (esp. Puritianism)  Pain and death  Characters who are in questionable “psychological states”  Macabre events-melodramatically violent bordering between reality and unreality.

 Sickening realization  Suggestive of what will happen  Imagination  Sense of uncertainty  Intangible/psychological dread  Apprehension  Described distinctly/tangible  Gross  Appalling to the point of being unrealistic  Physical characteristic PURPOSE OF GOTHIC LITERATURE Terror Horror

GOTHIC RENAISSANCE  Even though the gothic literary movement started almost 250 years ago, society is till obsessed with this thrilling genre……  ……………..….. Want Proof???