Gothic Literature

3B Agenda Gothic Lit Notes Gothic Lit competition

The Characteristics of Gothic Literature

What makes a piece of literature Gothic is a combination of any of these elements: A castle, ruined or intact, haunted or not Ruined buildings Dungeons, underground passages, crypts, spooky basements, or attics Labyrinths, dark corridors, and winding stairs

Elements of Gothic Literature cont’d Shadows, a beam of moonlight in the blackness, a flickering candle Extreme landscapes: rugged mountains, thick forests, icy wastes. Extreme weather

Elements of Gothic Literature cont’d Omens and ancestral curses Magic, supernatural suggestions Horrifying or terrifying events or the threat of them happening

Elements of Gothic Literature cont’d A passion-driven villain A heroine with a tendency to faint or need to be rescued frequently A hero whose true identity might not be revealed until the end of the novel

Gothic Literature Mood & Tone Moods: gloomy Mysterious Suspenseful Tones: tends to be dramatic and sensational

Gothic Literature Themes dark side of human nature search for identity desire vs duty social alienation search for truth

You try… You (and up to two other people) will create your own Gothic tale. You must include at least three characteristics of Gothic literature in your story. Consider the following as you begin drafting -Characters, setting, plot, dialogue, etc. The class will vote anonymously on the best tale. Winners will receive a prize! 

Criteria Group of two (no more) Five pages long Must contain at least three elements of Gothic Literature Due on Tuesday at the end of the hour You will present the story (tell it) We will vote for the best! The winner will receive a small prize!