Elements of a Gothic Novel

Elements of a Gothic Novel Setting in a Castle An Atmosphere of Mystery and

Suspense An Ancient Prophecy Omens, Portents, and Visions Supernatural or otherwise

Inexplicable events High, even overwrought emotion

Elements (cont)

Women in distress Women threatened by a powerful,

impulsive, tyrannical male The Metonymy of Gloom and Horror Vocabulary of the Gothic Elements of Romance

Setting in a Castle

Action takes place in or around an old castle, sometimes abandoned. It often has trap doors, secret

passages, or anything else that leads to a sense of the unknown

Atmosphere of Mystery and Suspense Pervaded by a threatening feeling, a

fear enhanced by the unknown: Mystery could include-unknown

parents, disappearance, or some other

Ancient Prophecy

Usually obscure, and connected with its inhabitants (either former or present)

Eventually manifested as a legend or folk tale (Ex: “It is said that the ghost of old man Smith stills wanders these halls…”)

Omens, Portents, Visions Portent means-Indication of

something that is about to happen, or soon going to come; a foreshadowing

Often shown in dreams, or visions EX: If a statue of the main character

falls and breaks, that is an omen of what is to come—his death.

Supernatural or Otherwise Inexplicable Events Dramatic amazing events occurred,

such as ghosts or giants walking, or inanimate objects coming to life.

High, Overwrought Emotion Characters often overcome by

extreme: Anger Sorrow Depression Surprise And Especially Terror

Frequent Crying Breathlessness and Panic are

common

Women in Distress Female Characters often face events

that leave them: Fainting Terrified Screaming/Crying

Characteristics are: Pensive Lonely Oppressed

Women Threatened by Powerful, Tyrannical Male Male character has the power as:

King Lord of the Manor Father Guardian▪ To demand she do something intolerable▪ Marry someone she doesn’t love▪ Commit a Crime▪ Etc.

The Metonymy of Gloom and Horror A type of metaphor for doom and gloom:

Examples:▪Wind, especially howling▪Rain, especially blowing▪ Footsteps approaching▪ Lights in abandoned rooms▪ Thunder and lightening▪Ruins of buildings

Vocabulary of the Gothic

Listed in several categories: Mystery: Diabolical, Enchantment,

Haunted Fear/Terror: Afflicted, Agony,

Frantic, Grief Surprise:Alarm, Astonishment,

Shock Haste: Breathless, Anxious,

Frantic, Sudden Anger: Provoked, Rage, Raving,

Wrath Largeness: Gigantic, Vast,

Tremendous

Elements of Romance

Powerful Love Uncertainty of Reciprocation Unreturned Love Tension Between true love and

father’s control Lovers Parted Illicit love or lust threatens the

virtuous one Rival lovers or multiple suitors

Powerful Love

Heat stirring, often sudden, emotions create a life or death commitment

Uncertainty of ReciprocationWhat is the beloved thinking? Is

the lover’s love returned or not?

Unreturned Love

Someone loves in vain (at least temporarily). Later, the love may be returned

Tension Between the True Love and Father’s Control

Disapproval, or choice. Most often, the father of the woman disapproves of the man she loves

Lovers Parted

Some obstacles arise and separate the lovers, geographically or in some other way

Illicit Love or Lust Threatens the Virtuous One

The young woman becomes the target of some evil man’s desires and schemes.

Rival Lovers or Multiple Suitors One of the lovers (or even both) can

have more than one person vying for their affection