ELEMENTS OF GOTHIC LITERATURE

QUICK DESCRIPTION

This movement includes the darker side of Romanticism. It was, in some ways, a reaction against the time period’s optimistic belief in the American dream. It included an interest in the inexplicable and a “skepticism toward man’s nature.” Unlike the Transcendentalists, the authors of this movement believed that human nature was equally capable of good and evil. However, this movement emphasized the human vulnerability to sin over the potential for good. Authors of this movement agreed with Romantics and Transcendentalists that nature was an important force, but these authors emphasized the decaying and mysterious aspects of nature instead of the idea of nature as a source of renewal. At the end of a piece of this type of literature, the reader is left with questions instead of answers and new understandings.

SET TIN G

Often takes place in an old, run-down, isolated…

• Castle• Crypt or vault• Graveyard or churchyard• Haunted house

STOCK CHARACTERSStock characters are characters that represent basic human traits, but are not otherwise well-developed in a story.Unreliable narrator

The devil

Damsel in distress

Powerful and/or “charming” male

Greedy character

Characters suffering from, or descending into madness

SUPERNATURAL

Presence of creatures such as such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and spirits

Paranormal or unexplainable events

Fulfillment of ancient prophecies

Omens and visions

Superstitions

MOOD AND TONE

Mystery

Suspense

Vengeance

Gloom

Horror

Terror – physical and psychological

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Essay - The Gothic literature we have read in this last unit all shows a dark side of human nature. People act in ways that are negative and can hurt the individual or others. Choose three works and explain how each shows that humankind does have a dark side. Within your discussion, also show how the authors utilize literary devices to better show the dark characteristics.