Gothic Literature

Gothic Architecture• First Gothic Cathedral

build in 1144• Gargoyles (originally

for religious buildings)• Vaulted ceilings• Structural ribbing

(skeletal)• Stained glass

Gothic Literature

Gothic Literature Characteristics

Remote and desolate settings

Elements of Gothic Literature

• Setting– Action takes place in or

around an old castle– Seems abandoned, or

broken down– Has secret passages, doors,

rooms– Usually very large, but

seems claustrophobic

I like Castles.

Romantic Characteristics

Supernatural is present

Elements of Gothic Literature

• Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events– Dramatic or amazing events occur

• Such as ghosts or giants, 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

Gothic Literature Characteristics

Characters are in either physical or psychological pain.

Elements of Gothic Literature

• High, overwrought emotion– Narration may be highly sentimental– Characters are often overcome by anger, sorrow,

surprise, and especially, terror. – Suffer from raw nerves and a feelings of

impending doom • Crying and emotional speeches are frequent• Breathlessness and panic are common

Gothic Literature Characteristics

Violent acts occur

Violent Acts Cont’d

• Blood, pain, death• Cruelty• Eroticism• Characters with “aberrant

psychological states”• Events are “uncanny,

macabre, or melodramatically violent bordering between reality and unreality http://www.pantip.com/cafe/chalermthai/

newmovie/hauntedcastle/hc.html

Elements of Gothic Literature

• Wind, especially howling• Doors grating on rusty hinges• Footsteps approaching • Gusts of wind blowing out lights• Characters trapped in a room • Baying of dogs (or wolves) • Thunder and/or lightning

• Rain• Sighs, moans, howls• Clanking chains • Lights in abandoned rooms • Gusts of wind blowing out lights • Doors suddenly slamming shut • Crazed laughter

The Master: Poe

• Edgar Allan Poe is the master of gothic literature• He is famous for this use of personal tragedies,

especially with women, in his work• Poe is most popular because of his mastery of fear,

suspense, and

Edgar Alan Poe

Wrote about altered mental states and the dark side of human nature.

Edgar Alan Poe

The inventor of the detective story.

Edgar Alan Poe

Wrote numerous psychological thrillers.

Edgar Alan Poe

Poe believed that short stories should work to create a certain unique or “single effect.”

Edgar Alan Poe

Single effect – Every character, incident, and detail works to create one unique effect in a story.

What’s Your Favorite Scary Movie

• Think about a scary movie you enjoy…• What scary movies have come out recently?• Now look back at all the elements of the genre

– Which ones are evident in your favorite scary movie?

I wouldn’t buy a castle that looks this depressing, unless I got a great deal.