The Gothic Period in American Literature

Questioning and analyzing the American mindset during the middle to late

nineteenth century

Definition of Gothic (adjective)

From the Germanic barbarian tribe, the Goths, derives a common term describing something that is crude, or uncivilized, or grotesque.

“Gothic” describes architecture, literature, persons, and places.

Gothic architecture

• Pointed arches

• Rib vaulting

• Emphasis on height

General Characteristics of Gothic Literature• A helpless victim• A powerful

victimizer• Victimizer

fascinates his victim

• Atmosphere is mysterious, oppressive

• Victim is “imprisoned”

Gothic characters in literature• Have mixed

qualities• Draw upon

our sympathies

• Frighten or upset us

Stereotypical gothic characters include:

• The thief with a code of honor• The lonely vampire• The mad scientist• The tormented artist• The werewolf, horrified by himself• The knowing madman• The deformed assassin• The ignored prophet

America in the context of the “dark romantics”

The gothic writers explored the cultural anxieties and fears of the expanding nation: the “dark side”.These writers addressed such trends as

--westward expansion--technological and scientific progress--individualism (free will, self made individual)--true womanhood--slavery and abolition

The gothic writers critiqued the assumption that America stood as the moral and guiding light of the world (Winthrop’s “city on a hill”).

Objectives of this unit include:• Recognizing characteristics of gothic

writers (or dark romantics);• Understanding the fears and anxieties

explored by the writers;• Evaluating the effectiveness of the

writers’ critical positions;• Collecting evidence;• Expressing our individual opinion;

Supporting that opinion in writing using evidence;

• Following a specific rubric.

Before You Go

On the quarter sheet of white paper on your table—1.Write your name;2.Write two characteristics of

gothic writing.