Gothic LIt Notes
January 24, 2013
Characteristics of
Gothic Literature
• Popular 1720s- mid 1800s
• Originated from Germanic tribes- Barbarians
• Associated with Medieval architecture
• Associated with dark mood, blood, and horro
(barbarous acts0
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Part of the Romanticism movement
Meant to invoke terror in the reader
Shows the dark side of human nature
Use of sublime landscapes and monuments
Layers of the tale (stories within stories)
Gothic LIt Notes
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Elements:
extreme landscapes
ancient buildings
moments of solitude
continuous gloomy atmosphere (foreboding)
Hideous monsters
Female characters threatened by powerful male figures
Magic, supernatural manifestations, or the suggestion of supernatural
A passion driven villain-hero or villain
Horrifying events or the threat of such happenings
Strongly influenced modern science fiction and horror genres
January 24, 2013
Gothic LIt Notes
January 24, 2013