The Gothic Novel Background Notes Gothic Elements

The Goths a Germanic tribe Originated in Sweden and spread through Europe Reached the height of their power around 5th century A.D., when they sacked Rome and captured Spain.

Connection to the Gothic Novel? During the Renaissance, Europeans rediscovered Greco-Roman culture and began to regard a particular type of architecture, mainly those built during the Middle Ages, as "gothic" –  No connection to the Goths, but they were considered barbaric and not in Classical (Roman) style In the 1800s, "gothic" came to describe a certain type of novel because all these novels seemed to take place in Gothic-styled architecture -- mainly castles, mansions, and, of course, abbeys ("Gothic...").

The Gothic Novel Gothic novel took shape mostly in England from 1790 to It falls within the category of Romantic literature. But it is a reaction against the rigidity and formality of other forms of Romantic literature. The Gothic is not limited to this time period - it takes its roots from former terrorizing writing that dates back to the Middle Ages, and can still be found written today by writers such as Stephen King.

Beauty & the Beast

Conventions of Gothic Literature 1. A hero whose birth is enshrouded in mystery. 2. Restless ghosts groaning for revenge. 3. Forbidding cliffs, stormy seas (eerie settings) 4. Ancient manuscripts rediscovered; produces a narration which gives an air of strangeness to the exotic setting. 5. Incest 6. Characters can often communicate psychically. 7. Often concerned with the possibility of returning to life after death.

Conventions, Continued 8. Problem of evil presented as a psychological problem 9. Castle or house identified with its owner 10. Characters exhibit overwhelming guilt or pride. 11. Good characters are usually physically lovely; evil characters have twisted bodies and ugly faces. 12. The idyllic life in nature invaded and destroyed by a dark ambiguous force. 13. Animals respond to a supernatural presence.

More gothic elements 14. Feeling of gloom throughout the story 15. Terrifying things occur at night, usually after midnight. 16. Story often concerned with injustice. 17. Magic mirrors in which one can see anyone he wishes. 18. Moving statues and pictures. 19. Madness (insanity) often occurs.

Gothic Elements, the last ones 20. Dreaded secrets. 21. Inexplicable music. 22. Heroine is usually beautiful and virtuous, often an orphan and given to swooning and weeping. 23. Hero usually has a vague past, is basically good but has a flaw. 24. Characters usually not drawn realistically, may not even be believable. 25. Fatal/tortured love

Edward Scissorhands Literary Analysis In a one page minimum essay, discuss the gothic elements in Edward Scissorhands. How does the movie fit into the gothic style? Be sure to use your notes on the gothic elements of literature and use specific examples from the film. Due Wednesday 2/1