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The Gothic and the Supernatural

The Gothic and the Supernatural. A Thematic Approach to Selected Literary Works.

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The Gothic and the Supernatural

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  1. The Gothic and the Supernatural A Thematic Approach to Selected Literary Works NOTE: This presentation owes most of its ideas, content, notes and images to Prof. Shari Hodges and her course on Gothic Literature offered by the English Department, University of Mississippi; and to Franz Potter’s site on Gothic Literature: http://members.aol.com/franzpoet/intro.html

  2. Gothic and Supernatural Motifs

  3. Gothic Literature • Developed as a genre in 18th century ‘The Bleeding Nun’ 

  4. Gothic Literature • Developed as a genre in 18th century • Is devoted to tales of horror, the darker, supernatural forces • English Gothic novel origin: Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto (1764)

  5. Gothic Literature • Derives its name from similarities to medieval Gothic architecture • Also derives name from a barbaric Germanic tribe, the Goths

  6. Gothic Architecture • Majestic, unrestrained architectural style • Profusion of savage, often grotesque ornamentation

  7. Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches

  8. Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches

  9. Gothic Architecture • More vaulting arches

  10. Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches • Spires reaching to the heavens

  11. Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches • Spires reaching to the heavens

  12. Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches • Spires reaching to the heavens • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

  13. Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches • Spires reaching to the heavens • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Adam and Eve with the serpent 

  14. Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Saints, Notre Dame, Paris 

  15. Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Saints, Notre Dame, Paris 

  16. Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Gargoyles, Notre Dame, Paris 

  17. Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

  18. Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

  19. Gothic Literary Motifs

  20. The Doppelganger • A second self or alternate identity • Represents opposing forces in human nature • Suggests humans have a double nature Dracula and Jonathan in front of the mirror 

  21. The Faust Motif: Forbidden Knowledge or Power • Hero attempts to control supernatural powers • Ambition leads to fall Dr. Faustus makes a deal with the Devil 

  22. Monster/ Satanic Hero/ Fallen Man • Fallen Hero becomes a Monster • Or, confronts a monster who is his double • Like Satan, he defies the rules of God’s universe Frankenstein’s Monster 

  23. Demons/ Devils/ Witches/ Angels • Represent conflicting forces in the human soul • Hero may be tempted by evil spirits • Or, redeemed by good spirits The Three Weird Sisters in Macbeth

  24. Magic Talismans • Symbolize supernatural forces • Or, forces in the hero’s personality King Arthur’s Sword “Excalibur” 

  25. Dreams / Visions • Reveal hidden truths of the unconscious mind Dracula visits his victim as she sleeps 

  26. Signs / Omens • Reveal intention of cosmic forces • Often represent psychological or spiritual conflict

  27. Graveyards / Churches / Ruins • Suggest human confrontation with infinite forces Whitby churchyard from Dracula 

  28. Haunted Castle or House • Reflects Hero’s Psychological character

  29. Multiple Narrative • Series of secret manuscripts or multiple tales • Narrative spirals inward to hidden truth • Narrator compelled to speak to captive listener The Ancient Mariner tells his tale 

  30. Madness • Reflects realities beyond rational comprehension • Mad characters speak truths we wish to deny The mad man compels passers-by to listen 

  31. Blood • Symbolizes paradox of human condition • Represents life/death, guilt/innocence The Vampire’s Feast Thwarted 

  32. Other Motifs • Murder • Incest and sexual perversion • Value reversals • Mistaken/secret identities • Dichotomies • Innocence victimized by evil

  33. BOO!

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