Gothic/Supernatural Elements What comes to mind when you think of the words “GOTHIC” Or “SUPERNATURAL”?

The Gothic Movement The term “gothick” actually comes from a tribal name from 1 AD. The Gothicks were a rough and brutal tribe who swept through the Roman Empire long ago. They destroyed Roman towns in Europe. Because literary writers wanted to go back to more medieval poetry, they names their movement The Gothic Movement.

Characteristics of the Gothic Movement

Focus Gothic stories always have a point behind them. Their principle aim is to evoke terror by using dark mystery and suspense. Violence never occurs simply for the sake of violence. Every extreme event is purposeful and used to reveal something about the plot.

Extreme Situations These unreal, amazing scenarios are used to completely blow everything out of proportion.

Deeper Meaning After catching the reader’s attention with exotic tales of monsters, criminals, violence, revenge and death, the author can bring a reader deeper into his work in order to see the true meaning behind the tales.

Class Structure During this time in Europe, classes were very much set. You will find a head of the manor and servants in Gothic literature.

Elements of the Supernatural This doesn’t mean that each piece has vampires, werewolves and ghosts, but many contain black mysterious birds, shreds of white disappearing down a hall, thunderstorms or bumps in the night.

Death and Darkness Gothic writers often focus on and talk about death and darkness - blackness, hidden passages, sliding panels, creaking doors, dark castles, dungeons, mysterious disappearances.

Innocent Heroine Often a fair maiden will suffer due to a villain.