A Guide to Literary Genres - Sykalo Eugen 2023
Gothic
Definition: Literary style refers to the distinctive manner in which an author employs language, narrative techniques, and literary devices to convey their ideas and create a unique aesthetic in their written work. The Gothic style is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and gained prominence in the 19th century. It is characterized by its emphasis on mystery, horror, the supernatural, and the exploration of human emotions and psychological states. Gothic literature often features eerie settings, melodramatic plots, and an atmosphere of darkness and foreboding.
Key Features of Gothic Style in Literature:
1. Atmosphere of Mystery and Suspense: Gothic literature creates an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, often using dark and ominous settings to evoke a sense of foreboding.
2. Supernatural and Paranormal Elements: Gothic works frequently incorporate supernatural and paranormal elements such as ghosts, haunted houses, curses, and unexplained occurrences.
3. Emotional Intensity: Characters in Gothic literature experience heightened emotions, including fear, terror, love, and passion. These emotions often drive the plot and contribute to the overall atmosphere.
4. Melodramatic Plots: Gothic stories often feature melodramatic and sensational plots involving complex relationships, secrets, forbidden love, and hidden identities.
5. Use of Setting: The setting is a crucial element in Gothic literature. It includes remote and decaying locations, such as castles, mansions, and ruins, which contribute to the eerie atmosphere.
6. Duality and Doppelgängers: Many Gothic works explore themes of duality and the presence of doppelgängers (doubles), reflecting the inner conflicts and psychological struggles of characters.
7. Gothic Architecture and Imagery: Elements of Gothic architecture, such as pointed arches and dark, cavernous spaces, often appear in descriptions of settings and contribute to the overall mood.
8. Exploration of Taboos and Forbidden Desires: Gothic literature often delves into themes of taboo, forbidden desires, and the darker aspects of human nature, including madness and obsession.
9. Confrontation with the Sublime and Uncanny: Gothic works often confront the sublime (overwhelming awe) and the uncanny (the eerie and strange), eliciting both fascination and fear.
Representatives of Gothic Literature:
1. Mary Shelley (1797—1851): The author of "Frankenstein," a seminal work in Gothic literature that explores themes of scientific exploration, creation, and the consequences of playing with the forces of nature.
2. Edgar Allan Poe (1809—1849): Known for his macabre and dark tales, Poe's works like "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," and "The Raven" epitomize Gothic themes and atmosphere.
3. Charlotte Brontë (1816—1855): "Jane Eyre" is a novel that blends Gothic elements with a coming-of-age narrative, featuring mysterious settings and complex characters.
4. Ann Radcliffe (1764—1823): A pioneer of Gothic fiction, Radcliffe's works like "The Mysteries of Udolpho" incorporate the classic elements of the genre, including hidden secrets and menacing villains.
5. Matthew Lewis (1775—1818): His novel "The Monk" is a prime example of Gothic literature, featuring a sinister monk and themes of temptation, corruption, and the supernatural.
6. Horace Walpole (1717—1797): "The Castle of Otranto" is often regarded as the first Gothic novel. It introduces many of the genre's conventions, such as a haunted castle and mysterious occurrences.
These representatives embody the key features of Gothic literature, showcasing its exploration of mystery, the supernatural, heightened emotions, and the eerie atmosphere that continue to captivate readers to this day.