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Gothic Literature

Gothic Literature . What is it?. Medieval world Late 18 th Century England Popular into 19 th Century in Europe and America Can refer to architecture as well as literature

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Gothic Literature

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  1. Gothic Literature

  2. What is it? • Medieval world • Late 18th Century England • Popular into 19th Century in Europe and America • Can refer to architecture as well as literature • Gothic architecture – ornate, intricate, flying buttresses, narrow spires, stained glass; sometimes adorned with grotesques – gargoyles, monsters, etc. • Source: The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms, 2nd ed. Murfin and Ray • Gothic Overview Figure 1: Gothic Architectural examples

  3. Elements of Gothic Literature • Horror narrative – doom and gloom • Chivalry and magic • Dark, mysterious • Secret passages and supernatural events • Atmosphere of terror • Story line and setting is emphasized over characterization • Exaggerated and emotional language

  4. Gothic Literature/Genre • “characterized by a general mood of decay, action that is dramatic and generally violent or otherwise disturbing, loves that are destructively passionate, and settings that are grandiose, if gloomy or bleak.” • Romantics viewed Gothic writing as having a “freedom of spirit, variety, mystery, and instinctual authenticity.” • Source: The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms, 2nd ed. Murfin and Ray • Gothic Literature Resource

  5. Gothic Heroes and Heroines • Dark history • Secrets • Hero: Power and charisma over goodness • Heroine: win hero’s love without losing her soul or “being destroyed in the process” Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester

  6. Gothic Authors • Coleridge • The Bronte sisters Henry James • Mary Shelley • Edgar Allan Poe • Stephen King • Anne Rice • What other past and modern examples can you think of?

  7. The End! • For any further questions on Gothic literature contact Professor O’Brien at: • erin.o.ucf@knights.ucf.edu

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