Gothic Literature

Gothic Architecture First Gothic Cathedral build in 1144 Gargoyles (originally for religious buildings) Vaulted ceilings Structural ribbing (skeletal) Stained glass

Gothic Literature

Gothic Literature Characteristics Remote and desolate settings

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

I like Castles.

Romantic Characteristics Supernatural is present

Elements of Gothic Literature 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

Gothic Literature Characteristics Characters are in either physical or psychological pain.

Elements of Gothic Literature 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

Gothic Literature Characteristics Violent acts occur

Violent Acts Cont’d Blood, pain, death Cruelty Eroticism Characters with “aberrant psychological states” Events are “uncanny, macabre, or melodramatically violent bordering between reality and unreality e/hauntedcastle/hc.html

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

The Master: Poe Edgar Allan Poe is the master of gothic literature He is famous for this use of personal tragedies, especially with women, in his work Poe is most popular because of his mastery of fear, suspense, and

Edgar Alan Poe Wrote about altered mental states and the dark side of human nature.

Edgar Alan Poe The inventor of the detective story.

Edgar Alan Poe Wrote numerous psychological thrillers.

Edgar Alan Poe Poe believed that short stories should work to create a certain unique or “single effect.”

Edgar Alan Poe Single effect – Every character, incident, and detail works to create one unique effect in a story.

What ’ s Your Favorite Scary Movie Think about a scary movie you enjoy… What scary movies have come out recently? Now look back at all the elements of the genre – Which ones are evident in your favorite scary movie?

I wouldn’t buy a castle that looks this depressing, unless I got a great deal.