1. Gothic Literature
The Elements

2. What is Gothic Literature?
Ruin, decay, death, terror and chaos
Dark side of nature
Irrational human behavior

3. Characteristics Intricate plot Stock characters The “Double”
Subterranean labyrinths
Ruined castles
Supernatural occurrences

4. Themes

5. Terror vs. Horror
Terror grows out of suspense
Horror produces disgust

6. Appearance vs. Reality Events appear to be supernatural
Realistic explanations are offered
Dreamlike / nightmarish state
Narrator or characters may appear to be sane but….

8. Confinement Claustrophobia Entrapment of the hero/heroine
Subterranean passage way
Elicits both horror and terror

10. Justice vs. Injustice
Guilt and Reparation of sins
Justice Triumphs

11. Styles

12. Setting Most important device Emotion
External conditions provide much of the suspense

13. Narrative Manner Complex and complicated
Woven around some theme or idea
Epistolary
First person

14. Mood
Fear
Anxiety
Terror
Horror
Nightmares