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The Gothic and the Supernatural. A Thematic Approach to Selected Literary Works.
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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
Gothic Literature • Developed as a genre in 18th century ‘The Bleeding Nun’
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)
Gothic Literature • Derives its name from similarities to medieval Gothic architecture • Also derives name from a barbaric Germanic tribe, the Goths
Gothic Architecture • Majestic, unrestrained architectural style • Profusion of savage, often grotesque ornamentation
Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches
Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches
Gothic Architecture • More vaulting arches
Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches • Spires reaching to the heavens
Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches • Spires reaching to the heavens
Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches • Spires reaching to the heavens • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Gothic Architecture • Vaulting arches • Spires reaching to the heavens • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Adam and Eve with the serpent
Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Saints, Notre Dame, Paris
Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Saints, Notre Dame, Paris
Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces Gargoyles, Notre Dame, Paris
Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
Gothic Architecture • Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces
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
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
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
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
Magic Talismans • Symbolize supernatural forces • Or, forces in the hero’s personality King Arthur’s Sword “Excalibur”
Dreams / Visions • Reveal hidden truths of the unconscious mind Dracula visits his victim as she sleeps
Signs / Omens • Reveal intention of cosmic forces • Often represent psychological or spiritual conflict
Graveyards / Churches / Ruins • Suggest human confrontation with infinite forces Whitby churchyard from Dracula
Haunted Castle or House • Reflects Hero’s Psychological character
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
Madness • Reflects realities beyond rational comprehension • Mad characters speak truths we wish to deny The mad man compels passers-by to listen
Blood • Symbolizes paradox of human condition • Represents life/death, guilt/innocence The Vampire’s Feast Thwarted
Other Motifs • Murder • Value reversals • Mistaken/secret identities • Dichotomies • Innocence victimized by evil