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Gothic literature first appeared in the late 18th century, and became one of the first literary genres to inspire broad popular enthusiasm. Though the first examples were fiction, poets also incorporated gothic elements, and the genre remained prevalent throughout the 19th century and into the 20th. For those who wish to study gothic literature -- or try their hand at composing it -- 10 elements appear as hallmarks of the form. Fascination With the PastGothic writers romanticized the past, particularly the medieval era. Castles often feature prominently, as in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Horace Walpole’s “The Castle of Otranto.” This gothic fascination with the past also manifested in historical settings, such as the early 18th century Scotland of Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels. The SupernaturalSupernatural elements also feature prominently in gothic literature. M.R. James' gothic ghost stories, published in the early 20th century, can be seen as a reaction against the rise of technology and science. Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” with its ghostly ship, showcases the supernatural in gothic poetry. Emphasis on SexualityIn the chaste Victorian era, Gothic literature provided an outlet for the exploration of sexuality. This appears in the trope of the doomed romance, as in Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee,” or in the appearance of a demonic lover figure, such as the bloodthirsty vampire in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” HorrorMany of gothic literature’s most influential works make heavy use of horror elements. Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” with its graveyards, gloomy castle and iconic monster, became a bestseller upon its first single-volume publication. Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and Ann Radcliffe’s “The Mysteries of Udolpho” also provide examples of gothic horror. Psychological PortraitsThemes of madness and emotional distress characterize the psychological emphasis of gothic literature. As the genre matured into the 20th century, writers began to portray the internal horror of psychosis, as in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Poe’s “The Telltale Heart,” which examines the psychology of guilt, stands as an earlier example of this tendency. Exotic LocalesExotic settings featured in some of the earliest gothic works, and remained a key element throughout the genre’s history. William Bedford’s “Vathek,” set in the Middle East, helped popularize Orientalism, a 19th century fascination with Arabic and Asian cultures. Experimental TechniquesThe development of gothic literature paralleled that of the novel as art, and reached its apogee in the first half of the 20th century. Gothic literature contains experimental techniques such as shifting narrators and literary tableaux. Shifting narrators -- such as those in William Faulkner’s Southern gothic “As I Lay Dying" -- give different perspectives on the plot. A literary tableaux -- a description of a static scene -- can establish mood or convey symbolism. The Gothic HeroGothic literature popularized the notion of the anti-hero, a flawed protagonist who incorporates dark or monstrous elements. Lord Byron featured gothic heroes in many of his works, including “Childe Harold” and “Manfred.” Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights” contains a prominent gothic hero in Heathcliff. Repeated Use of MotifsMany examples of gothic literature contain similar motifs, or devices that convey a thematic impact. The motif of the doppelganger, characters that reflect the duality of human nature, appears notably in Stevenson’s "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." The dream motif, in which dream sequences can convey the subconscious, also features in gothic literature. “Frankenstein” contains a notable example in Victor’s dream of his lover, Elizabeth. SymbolismSince its first appearance in the late 18th century, gothic literature made heavy use of symbolism to explore themes of human experience. Often, the supernatural elements, such as the veiled and bloody nun in Matthew Lewis’ 1796 “The Monk,” convey the hidden terrors contained in human nature. Oscar Wilde’s “Picture of Dorian Gray,” published a century later, accomplishes this same feat with the symbolism of the namesake painting.
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Terms in this set (13)Setting set in old, rundown structures, especially castles. The building usually features hidden passages, trap doors, dungeons or secret rooms, and has suffered a decline from its former greatness. Environment Reflects a bleak or foreboding atmosphere. Dark forests, imposing mountains, stormy weather, or areas far away from civilization. Atmosphere Stresses an atmosphere
of mystery, horror, and dread. The plot involves hidden secrets that threaten the protagonist. Protagonists Isolated or alone. That isolation could be physical or emotional and may be self imposed. Emotions Characters are often passionate or strong willed, defying others or even their own common sense in pursuit of their goals. Women are often curious and have a tendency to swoon, while men storm and rage in reflection of unseen inner torments. Damsels in Distress Women threatened by tyrannical men or just the circumstances in which they find themselves. Appear frightened and may suffer from ailment. Foreboding Ominous implications precede dark events. Unlucky omen's appear, ancient curses linger in the air, and dark forces beyond the hero's control
thwart his ambitions. Supernatural appear particularly ghosts and unexplained manifestations. In some, elements ultimately have a rational explanation, but the implication always suggests something not of this world. Decay A formerly great family, community, country, or individual who has peaked and now begins a slow process of decline. Shown in landscape (buildings crumbling) and people. Drama
mostly the events in Gothic Lit which express high emotion. Like murders, kidnapping, people going mad or illness. Satire The use of humor, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. Irony A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result. Theme The central, dominating, and unifying idea in a literary work. The theme weaves through the entire piece holding it together. Sets with similar termsArchetypes Flashcards57 terms Rduggal_28 Literary Elements Examples38 terms Michelle_Greenough Ninth Grade Vocabulary Lists 13 Through 1775 terms PeterStephens Examples of Personification50 terms briggslcp Sets found in the same folderThe things they carried chapter 4 "On the rainy Ri…7 terms AshleyCadet1 Great Gatsby Study Guide Questions66 terms Cakester_kaylaPLUS Daniel Defoe8 terms risingstarlet Honors American Literature Final Exam; 1st semester33 terms Katherine5Ng Other sets by this creatorAnatomy - Skull Bones31 terms McCarthyM18 AP Lit Test Terms12 terms McCarthyM18 AP Lit Definitions18 terms McCarthyM18 GDP26 terms McCarthyM18 Recommended textbook solutions myPerspectives: English Language Arts, Grade 71st EditionSavvas Learning Co 602 solutions
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SpringBoard English Language Arts: Grade 10The College Board 500 solutions Other Quizlet setsPlot Vocabulary17 terms pjb1 English Midterm Vocab24 terms beccakalinskyiscool Analyzing Literature35 terms bunna_l Module 4 Vocabulary12 terms studystudent90 Related questionsQUESTION True or false: Gatsby *graduated* from Oxford. 4 answers QUESTION 'a thinker rather than a doer' 6 answers QUESTION What are the three types of plays Shakespeare wrote? 15 answers QUESTION Why are Milo, Tock, the Humbug, Rhyme and Reason running? 2 answers What are the 11 Gothic elements?What are the 11 Gothic elements?. Architecture. castles, abbeys, wine cellars, dungeons, catacombs, secret doors.. The power of nature to affect emotion. ... . Rugged Terrain.. Weather.. Setting.. Creatures.. High or Intense Emotion.. Darkness of the human soul made manifest in the world.. What is Gothic literature and its elements?Usually the setting consists of a castle or manor in an isolated location, away from any city or civilization. This genre is dark, eerie, and mysterious, often containing elements of terror, horror, and the macabre and the bizarre. Common themes and motifs of the Gothic include power, confinement, and isolation.
What are 5 characteristics of Gothic literature?Characteristics of the Gothic Novel. Gloomy, decaying setting (haunted houses or castles with secret passages, trapdoors, and other mysterious architecture). Supernatural beings or monsters (ghosts, vampires, zombies, giants). Curses or prophecies.. Damsels in distress.. Heroes.. Romance.. Intense emotions.. What is an important element of Gothic fiction?Answer: Characteristics of the Gothic include: death and decay, haunted homes/castles, family curses, madness, powerful love/romance, ghosts, and vampires.
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What are the 10 elements of Gothic literature?
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