Gothic literature is a genre of literature which often features the supernatural, horror or terror accompanied by a darker tone. The phrase “Gothic” was first used in the 18th century to describe the medieval style of architecture, which was often part of church building developments. In contrast with the dominant Enlightenment philosophy of the time, Gothic literature was perceived as dark, mysterious, and profoundly concerned with death. But what is it about Gothic literature that gives it this dark and gloomy atmosphere?
Gothic Literature and Characteristics
Gothic literature is a genre of literature which originated in the late 18th century and flourished in the 19th century. It is known for its odd and unsettling atmosphere, especially in its most characteristic texts; it often uses supernatural events, mystery, and suspense to create tension. Gothic texts attempt to unsettle their readers so that they will invest more interest and emotion into the text – this may be done by creating a feeling of madness or terror, or by producing scenes that are shocking or unexpected.
Gothic literature is not quite like any other genre. The main characteristic of this literature is that it deals with topics that are dark, violent, and has a sense of the supernatural. Gothic literature often involves stories that take place at night, are suspenseful in nature, and are filled with foreboding and terror.
Gothic literature is a genre that has been around for centuries. It often depicts an atmosphere of fear and horror, best seen in the gothic novel. Sometimes it intermingles with Romanticism by adding emphasis to nature and the feeling of melancholy or despair. Gothic literature also features many classic horror motifs such as ghosts, monsters, death, madness, curses, and other supernatural events.
Although the subject matter of Gothic fiction is dark and scary, it also contains elements of romance. The genre has influenced many other forms such as film.
Themes of Gothic Literature
Themes of gothic literature tend to focus on aspects such as death, isolation, and the supernatural. Romanticism is often a large part of gothic literature, often with a supernatural twist. Gothic literature also tends to be explicit in what it communicates. Gothic literature can be divided into three different themes: terror, disorder, and death.
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Themes from these novels are often expressed through nature, such as the darkness of the forest and the storm-clad night. Gothic literature is defined by the themes it explores. It often focuses on the dark and macabre, such as death, disease, madness, and murder.
These themes emerged in response to the 18th century Enlightenment period when people started living longer and believed they could conquer all of life’s problems. Gothic literature was a reaction against this optimism and its unique style captured readers’ imaginations by using suspenseful writing to create an atmosphere of fear and horror.
What is the Origin of Gothic Literature?
The origin of the Gothic literary genre is often attributed to Horace Walpole. His novel The Castle of Otranto was published in 1764 and is considered the first work of Gothic fiction, as evidenced by its elements of terror, suspense, and supernatural occurrences. The Goths were a Germanic tribe who invaded what was then the Roman Empire, hence the term Gothic, which also refers to their architecture.
What are some examples of Gothic Literature?
Famous examples of Gothic Literature include Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
Conclusion
Gothic literature was a genre of literature that became popular in the 18th century. It is a genre that focuses on horror, death, and the supernatural. A few works this genre includes are Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.
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