Gothic Elements The Dark Romantics
Gothic Origins The scary stories that we enjoy today had their first flowering in English literature in the beginning of the l9th century.
Gothic Origins At that time, such scary stories and novels were termed “Gothic” to refer back to the Middle Ages, a time seen as barbaric (the original meaning of gothic), unlike the “enlightened” time of the present.
Differences Dark Romanticism contrasts the lighter elements of Early Romanticism –Isn’t as optimistic –Saw the horror of evil in everything
Gothic Beliefs Dark Romantics’ views of existence developed from both mystical and melancholy aspects of Puritan thought. Explored conflicts between good and evil Acknowledged the existence of sin, pain and evil in human life
Gothic Techniques Psychological effects of guilt and sin –Poe was known for psychological horror –How madness and derangement affect the human psyche Uses symbolism to provide added meaning and suspense
Gothic Elements The following elements were likely to be found in the l9th century. You can expect to find this sort of thing in most of Edgar Allen Poe’s work, including his detective stories.
Supernatural elements
Spooky effects and haunting specters
Demonic powers
Oppressive atmosphere of doom
Setting Wild and desolate landscapes
Setting Ruined abbeys Feudal halls Medieval castles with dungeons graveyards
Setting Secret passages Winding staircases Sliding panels Torture chambers
Underground rooms and tombs
A Catholic or feudal society
Characters Priests Monks
A heroine with a trembling sensitivity and her impetuous lover
Heroines and heroes in incredible danger
Wicked tyrants Evil witches Tyrannical older men
Subjects Sleep Dream and death-like states
Live burial
Doubles/twins
Discovery of obscure family ties Incest
Unnatural silences; unspeakable ideas and events
Guilt and shame – and the effects of them
Secret and undecipherable writings
Cats Bats Wolves
Murder
Blood
Moonlight
Vampires