The Gothic and the Supernatural A Thematic Approach to Selected Literary Works NOTE: This presentation owes most of its ideas, content, notes and images to Prof. Shari Hodges and her course on Gothic Literature offered by the English Department, University of Mississippi; and to Franz Potter’s site on Gothic Literature:

Gothic and Supernatural Motifs

Gothic Literature Developed as a genre in 18 th century ‘The Bleeding Nun’ 

Gothic Literature Developed as a genre in 18 th century Is devoted to tales of horror, the darker, supernatural forces English Gothic novel origin: Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto (1764)

Gothic Literature Derives its name from similarities to medieval Gothic architecture Also derives name from a barbaric Germanic tribe, the Goths

Gothic Architecture Majestic, unrestrained architectural style Profusion of savage, often grotesque ornamentation

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches

Gothic Architecture More vaulting arches

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the heavens

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the heavens

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the heavens Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the heavens Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Adam and Eve with the serpent 

Gothic Architecture Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Saints, Notre Dame, Paris 

Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Saints, Notre Dame, Paris  Gothic Architecture

Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Gargoyles, Notre Dame, Paris 

Gothic Architecture Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Gothic Architecture Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Gothic Literary Motifs

The Doppelganger A second self or alternate identity Represents opposing forces in human nature Suggests humans have a double nature Dracula and Jonathan in front of the mirror 

The Faust Motif: Forbidden Knowledge or Power Hero attempts to control supernatural powers Ambition leads to fall Dr. Faustus makes a deal with the Devil 

Monster/ Satanic Hero/ Fallen Man Fallen Hero becomes a Monster Or, confronts a monster who is his double Like Satan, he defies the rules of God’s universe Frankenstein’s Monster 

Demons/ Devils/ Witches/ Angels Represent conflicting forces in the human soul Hero may be tempted by evil spirits Or, redeemed by good spirits The Three Weird Sisters in Macbeth 

Magic Talismans Symbolize supernatural forces Or, forces in the hero’s personality King Arthur’s Sword “Excalibur” 

Dreams / Visions Reveal hidden truths of the unconscious mind Dracula visits his victim as she sleeps 

Signs / Omens Reveal intention of cosmic forces Often represent psychological or spiritual conflict

Graveyards / Churches / Ruins Suggest human confrontation with infinite forces Whitby churchyard from Dracula 

Haunted Castle or House Reflects Hero’s Psychologica l character

Multiple Narrative Series of secret manuscripts or multiple tales Narrative spirals inward to hidden truth Narrator compelled to speak to captive listener The Ancient Mariner tells his tale 

Madness Reflects realities beyond rational comprehension Mad characters speak truths we wish to deny The mad man compels passers-by to listen 

Blood Symbolizes paradox of human condition Represents life/death, guilt/innocence The Vampire’s Feast Thwarted 

Other Motifs Murder Value reversals Mistaken/secret identities Dichotomies Innocence victimized by evil

BOO!