AMERICAN GOTHIC LITERATURE Edgar Allan Poe Author Study AMERICAN GOTHIC LITERATURE 1

Gothic Literature Gothic Literary tradition came to be in part from the Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages. Gothic cathedrals with irregularly placed towers, and high stained-glass windows were intended to inspire awe and fear in religious worshipers.

Gargoyles—carvings of small deformed creatures squatting at the corners and crevices of Gothic cathedrals—were supposed to ward off evil spirits, but they often look more like demonic spirits themselves. Think of the gargoyle as a mascot of Gothic, and you will get an idea of the kind of imaginative distortion of reality that Gothic represents. 3

Romantics vs. Gothics Romantics Gothics Believed in letting the imagination run free Grew out of the Romantics—also believed in imagination They focused on the beauty and good in people Their imaginations led them to think about the dark side of humanity Life is beautiful and valuable (remember “Psalm of Life”) Life is dangerous, and people have darkness and evil within

Elements of Gothic Literature 1. Setting Action takes place in or around an old castle or building Seems abandoned, or broken down Has secret passages, doors, rooms Usually very large, but seems claustrophobic 5

Elements of Gothic Literature 2. An atmosphere of mystery or suspense Feeling of being threatened or fearful Plot is built around a mystery (such as unknown parentage, a disappearance, or some other inexplicable event) This is achieved by the next three elements…

Elements of Gothic Literature 3. An ancient prophecy Usually connected with the castle or its inhabitants Obscure, partial, or confusing The characters struggle to understand

Elements of Gothic Literature 4. Omens, visions Character may have a disturbing dream/vision Some phenomenon may be seen as an omen of coming events For example, if the statue of the lord of the manor falls over, it may predict his death

Elements of Gothic Literature 5. Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events Dramatic or amazing events occur Such as ghosts or giants, or inanimate objects (such as a suit of armor or painting) coming to life In some works, the events are ultimately given a natural explanation, while in others the events are truly supernatural

Elements of Gothic Literature 6. High, overwrought emotion Narration may be highly sentimental Characters are often overcome by anger, sorrow, surprise, and especially, terror. Suffer from raw nerves and a feelings of impending doom Crying and emotional speeches are frequent Breathlessness and panic are common

Elements of Gothic Literature 7. Women in distress Female characters often face events that leave them fainting, terrified, screaming, and/or sobbing Lonely, pensive, and oppressed heroine is often the central figure of the novel Her sufferings are even more pronounced and the focus of attention than the other characters in the story

Elements of Gothic Literature 8. Women threatened by a powerful, tyrannical male One or more male characters has the power (king, lord of the manor, father, or guardian) to demand that one or more of the female characters do something intolerable For example, the woman may be commanded to marry someone she does not love (it may even be the powerful male himself), or commit a crime

Elements of Gothic Literature 9. The metonymy of gloom and horror Metonymy is a subtype of metaphor, in which something (like rain) is used to stand for something else (like sorrow). For example, the film industry likes to use metonymy as a quick shorthand, so we often notice that it is raining in funeral scenes.

Elements of Gothic Literature Wind, especially howling Doors grating on rusty hinges Footsteps approaching Gusts of wind blowing out lights Characters trapped in a room Baying of dogs (or wolves) Thunder and/or lightning Rain Sighs, moans, howls Clanking chains Lights in abandoned rooms Gusts of wind blowing out lights Doors suddenly slamming shut Crazed laughter

Elements of Gothic Literature 10. Entrapment & Imprisonment Being confined or trapped, as shackled to a floor or hidden away in a dark cell. Heightens the psychology of feeling there’s “no way out.” EX: the Saw series

Edgar Allan Poe’s Work Settings that feature Dark, medieval castles Decaying ancient estates Characters that are Male—insane Female—beautiful and dead (or dying) Plots that include Murder Live burials Physical and mental torture Retribution from beyond the grave For Poe, it was only in these extreme situations that people revealed their true nature.

Poe’s Biography Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1809 He was abandoned by his father and orphaned by his mother before age 3 Poe’s aunt and uncle took him in

Poe’s Biography 1826, he started at the University of Virginia, where his reckless habits led to heavy debt, forcing him to leave school. He moved to Boston, where he published his first book, Tamerlane and Other Poems in 1827. In 1828, he was flat broke and enlisted into the army. Was expelled from West Point.

Poe’s Biography Began writing short stories after moving to Baltimore to live with another aunt. Soon married his aunt’s young (13!) daughter Virginia. Bounced from Baltimore to New York City to Philadelphia—always seemed to run into trouble.

Poe’s Biography Poe was awarded a $100 prize for his short story “The Gold Bug” published in 1845. ($2,500 in 2015 dollars.) This brought his the recognition and success that he had always wanted. Unfortunately, Virginia died around this time.

Poe’s Biography In the years following Virginia’s death, Poe struggled with despair as well as his own failing health. He moved back to Baltimore in 1849, where his health declined quickly. Died in 1849.

Poe’s Biography Today, Poe is recognized as a master of poetry, a superb writer of short stories, and a profound explorer of the torments of the human soul. He wrote only one novel, around 50 poems, and 70 short stories.

UNITY OF EFFECT Poe wanted his stories to achieve a unity of effect , where every element—plot, character, setting, and imagery—helped create a single effect, or mood.