the gothic and the supernatural
DESCRIPTION
The Gothic and the Supernatural. A Thematic Approach to Selected Literary Works. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Gothic and the Supernatural
A Thematic Approach to Selected Literary Works
NOTE: This presentation owes most of its ideas, content, notes and images to Prof. Shari Hodges and her course on Gothic Literature offered by the English Department, University of Mississippi; and to Franz Potter’s site on Gothic Literature: http://members.aol.com/franzpoet/intro.html
NOTE: This presentation owes most of its ideas, content, notes and images to Prof. Shari Hodges and her course on Gothic Literature offered by the English Department, University of Mississippi; and to Franz Potter’s site on Gothic Literature: http://members.aol.com/franzpoet/intro.html
Gothic and Supernatural Motifs
Gothic Literature Developed as a genre
in 18th century
‘The Bleeding Nun’
Gothic Literature Developed as a genre
in 18th century Is devoted to tales of
horror, the darker, supernatural forces
English Gothic novel origin: Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto (1764)
Gothic Literature Derives its name from
similarities to medieval Gothic architecture
Also derives name from a barbaric Germanic tribe, the Goths
Gothic Architecture Majestic, unrestrained
architectural style Profusion of savage,
often grotesque ornamentation
Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches
Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches
Gothic Architecture More vaulting arches
Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the
heavens
Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the
heavens
Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the
heavens Wild carvings
depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Gothic Architecture
Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the
heavens Wild carvings
depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Adam and Eve with the serpent
Gothic Architecture
Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Saints, Notre Dame,
Paris
Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Saints, Notre Dame,
Paris
Gothic Architecture
Gothic Architecture Wild carvings
depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Gargoyles, Notre Dame,
Paris
Gothic Architecture Wild carvings
depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Gothic Architecture
Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Gothic Literary Motifs
The Doppelganger A second self or
alternate identity Represents opposing
forces in human nature
Suggests humans have a double nature
Dracula and Jonathan in front of the mirror
The Faust Motif: Forbidden Knowledge or Power Hero attempts
to control supernatural powers
Ambition leads to fall
Dr. Faustus makes a deal with the Devil
Monster/ Satanic Hero/ Fallen Man
Fallen Hero becomes a Monster
Or, confronts a monster who is his double
Like Satan, he defies the rules of God’s universe
Frankenstein’s Monster
Demons/ Devils/ Witches/ Angels
Represent conflicting forces in the human soul
Hero may be tempted by evil spirits
Or, redeemed by good spirits
The Three Weird Sisters in Macbeth
Magic Talismans
Symbolize supernatural forces
Or, forces in the hero’s personality
King Arthur’s Sword “Excalibur”
Dreams / Visions
Reveal hidden truths of the unconscious mind
Dracula visits his victim as she sleeps
Signs / Omens
Reveal intention of cosmic forces
Often represent psychological or spiritual conflict
Graveyards / Churches / Ruins
Suggest human confrontation with infinite forces
Whitby churchyard from Dracula
Haunted Castle or House
Reflects Hero’s Psychological character
Multiple Narrative Series of secret
manuscripts or multiple tales
Narrative spirals inward to hidden truth
Narrator compelled to speak to captive listener
The Ancient Mariner tells his tale
Madness
Reflects realities beyond rational comprehension
Mad characters speak truths we wish to deny
The mad man compels passers-by to listen
Blood
Symbolizes paradox of human condition
Represents life/death, guilt/innocence
The Vampire’s Feast Thwarted
Other Motifs
Murder Incest and sexual perversion Value reversals Mistaken/secret identities Dichotomies Innocence victimized by evil
BOO!