RISE OF THE INDIVIDUAL Part #3 - Literary Gothic

American Romanticism Reviewed Romanticism is an artistic and literary movement in America which originated in direct response to rise rise of science, technology, and industry in America. Romantics no longer conformed to the strict religious beliefs of Puritan America; they did not reject God, but instead chose the pursue other explanations. Basic tenets of Romanticism: imagination one should be creative, and experiment with science Intuition one should follow instincts over logic and reasoning Idealism one should be realize the opportunity presented in the changing society of America Inspiration one should explore nature and the vast frontier Individuality one should celebrate the self, that is the unique beliefs and values of each individual as society grows more diverse

What did Romantics write about? Themes Beauty Romantics pursued “pure beauty” in nature and the self; therefore, the wrote about the wonder of nature and man’s abuse of it, innocence of youth, and how it is corrupted. Non-Normal Romantics explored non- traditional beliefs by writing about the supernatural, ancient folklore, and anything that might be viewed as odd, gross, and scary. Escapism Romantics were on a quest to escape the colonized and industrialized America and frequently wrote about the frontier and unexplored lands outside the colonies. Nature Romantics were interested in the mystery of nature and used nature as an escape, as a source of knowledge, and as a revelation of god to man in their writing.

What did Gothics write about? Themes Beauty Romantics pursued “pure beauty” in nature and the self; therefore, the wrote about the wonder of nature and man’s abuse of it, innocence of youth, and how it is corrupted. Non-Normal Romantics explored non- traditional beliefs by writing about the supernatural, ancient folklore, and anything that might be viewed as odd, gross, and scary. Escapism Romantics were on a quest to escape the colonized and industrialized America and frequently wrote about the frontier and unexplored lands outside the colonies. Nature Romantics were interested in the mystery of nature and used nature as an escape, as a source of knowledge, and as a revelation of god to man in their writing.

A Romantic Conflict. Transcendentalists… looked inward and saw hope. found truth by looking inward instead of to others. believed human nature was inherently good saw everything in nature as a miracle Literary Gothics… looked inward and saw the potential for evil. tested psychological and emotional boundaries to find truth. believed true human nature was revealed by pushing humanity to the extreme. Interested in the unknown and uncomfortable

Elements of Gothic Literature. The Gothic tradition in American were inspired by Gothic writers in Europe, like Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. If you combine these European elements of weird settings, macabre plot, creepy characters, etc with the American focus on the Individual, the result is American Gothic Literature. Two main authors of this movement are Edgar Allen Poe, the author of “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado” and Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter.

Elements of Gothic Literature. Remember, Gothic authors believed the true self was revealed only when pushed to the extreme Hawthorne Explored the Emotional Extreme by writing about: greed vanity mistrust betrayal pride Poe Explored the Psychological Extreme by writing about: physical/mental torture vengeance after death live burial insanity guilt

Becoming a Literary Gothic. Much literature today utilizes the same elements that are considered stereotypically Gothic. 1.As we read “The Raven”, by Poe take note of these elements. 2. Further study these elements by completing a graphic organizer for either “The Fall of the House of Usher” or “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” 3. Then use this knowledge to create your own story in the Gothic tradition.

Becoming a Literary Gothic. Your Gothic Story must: 1.Include the macabre (setting, mood) 2.Be allegorical (symbol, character) 3. Test either the mind or the heart (theme) 4. Mimic the masters (syntax, tone, diction, imagery)