1. “The Masque of the Red Death”

2. Horror, Suspense, Mystery, & Gothic
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Edgar Allan Poe ( )
Known for what type of literature?
Horror, Suspense, Mystery, & Gothic

3. Elements of Gothic Fiction
Setting in a castle or large estate.
The action takes place in and around an old castle, sometimes seemingly abandoned, sometimes occupied.
The castle often contains secret passages, trap doors, secret rooms, dark or hidden staircases, and possibly ruined sections.
In some American Gothic fiction, the setting might be in an old house or mansion.

4. Elements of Gothic Fiction
An atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
The work is pervaded by a threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown.

5. Elements of Gothic Fiction
Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events.
Dramatic, amazing events occur, such as ghosts or giants walking, 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.

6. Elements of Gothic Fiction
High, even overwrought emotion.
The narration may be highly sentimental, and the characters are often overcome by anger, sorrow, surprise, and especially, terror.
Characters suffer from raw nerves and a feeling of impending doom.

7. Elements of Gothic Fiction
The metonymy of gloom and horror.
Metonymy is a subtype of metaphor, in which something (like rain) is used to stand for something else (like sorrow).
Examples of metonymy
wind, especially howling
rain, especially blowing
footsteps approaching
lights in abandoned rooms

8. Elements of Gothic Fiction
The vocabulary of the gothic.
The constant use of the appropriate vocabulary set creates the atmosphere of the gothic.
Mystery
Haste
Fear, Terror, or Sorrow
Anger
Largeness
Surprise

9. Other works by Poe include:
CASK OF AMONTILLADO
FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER
MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE
THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM
ANNABEL LEE
ELDORADO
THE RAVEN
THE TELL-TALE HEART

10. Literary Focus: Figurative Language
Language enriched by word images and figures of speech
Designed to make the reader take an imaginative leap to understand the author’s point.
Includes the use of similes, metaphors, personification, etc.

11. Figurative Language
Dead Metaphor – Cliché – a phrase, expression or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its intended force or novelty.
Applies also to almost any situation, subject, characterization that has become overly familiar or commonplace.
Cliché in writing or speech can indicate a lack of creativity or sincerity.