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