"The name refers to Gothic architecture of the European Middle Ages, which was characteristic of the settings of early Gothic novels."
Although not directly related to the architecture itself, the Gothic literary tradition embodies many of the same themes and concepts found in Gothic architecture, such as the supernatural, the sublime, and the macabre.
Origins of Gothic Literature: This topic explores the historical roots of Gothic literature and its defining characteristics that set it apart from other literary genres. It includes discussions of the Romantic movement, and how Gothic literature emerged as a response to societal anxieties.
Gothic Architecture: This topic is concerned with the stylistic and structural elements of Gothic architecture, including its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. It also covers the historical development of Gothic architecture, from its origins in medieval Europe to its continued influence on modern design.
Gothic Themes and Motifs: This topic discusses the recurring themes and motifs that appear in Gothic literature and architecture, such as darkness, terror, death, and decay. It explores the ways in which these motifs are used to create a sense of fear and unease in the reader or observer.
Gothic Literature and Religion: This topic explores the relationship between Gothic literature and religion, including the use of religious imagery and symbolism in Gothic works. It examines how the Gothic style often reflects a crisis of faith or a rejection of traditional religious beliefs.
Gothic Fiction: This topic is focused on the genre of Gothic fiction and its key characteristics, such as supernatural elements, atmosphere, psychological drama, and suspense. It also includes discussions of major Gothic writers, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and Bram Stoker.
Gothic Horror: This topic delves into the horror genre as it relates to Gothic literature, emphasizing the fear and terror that are often central to Gothic works. It analyzes how Gothic horror is achieved through the use of psychological, physical, and supernatural elements.
Subgenres of Gothic Literature: This topic explores the different subgenres of Gothic literature, including Southern Gothic, Female Gothic, and Victorian Gothic. It examines the unique features of each subgenre and their respective contributions to the overall Gothic canon.
Gothic Art: This topic focuses on Gothic art, including paintings, sculpture, and other visual arts. It explores the stylistic features of Gothic art, such as the use of elongated forms, intricate ornamentation, and stylized realism.
Gothic Film: This topic is concerned with the use of Gothic elements in film, including horror movies, psychological thrillers, and film noir. It examines the ways in which film adaptations of Gothic literature have contributed to the development of the genre.
Gothic Fashion: This topic discusses the Gothic fashion movement and its influences on contemporary fashion design. It explores the use of dark colors, leather, lace, and other stylistic elements that are associated with the Gothic aesthetic.
Classic Gothic: Characterized by a spooky atmosphere, haunted castles, and supernatural elements.
Southern Gothic: Focuses on the American South, with themes of decay, poverty, and grotesque characters.
Urban Gothic: Set in cities, with themes of urban decay, crime, and isolation.
Romantic or Victorian Gothic: Emphasizes emotion, longing, and an admiration for nature. Features include hidden secrets, forbidden love, and a sense of nostalgia.
Gothic Horror: Emphasizes fear, violence, and suspense. Features include monsters, ghosts, and supernatural elements.
Gothic Romance: Combines romantic elements with Gothic literature's famous darker themes.
Psychological Gothic: Deals with the mind and perception, and often includes themes of madness and mental instability.
Female Gothic: From a feminine perspective, may touch on themes of captivity, oppression, and sexuality.
Gothic Mystery: Characterized by a sense of puzzlement and enigma. Often involves investigating strange events, missing objects or people, or hidden clues.
Postmodern Gothic: Rejects traditional Gothic themes and conventions, instead commenting on contemporary issues or societal themes through a Gothic lens.
"The first work to call itself Gothic was Horace Walpole's 1764 novel The Castle of Otranto."
"Contributors included Clara Reeve, Ann Radcliffe, William Thomas Beckford, and Matthew Lewis."
"Works by the Romantic poets, and novelists such as Mary Shelley, Charles Maturin, Walter Scott, and E. T. A. Hoffmann frequently drew upon gothic motifs in their works."
"The early Victorian period continued the use of gothic aesthetic in novels by Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters."
"...as well as works by the American writers Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne."
"Later well-known works were Dracula by Bram Stoker, Richard Marsh's The Beetle, and Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."
"Twentieth-century contributors include Daphne du Maurier, Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Anne Rice, and Toni Morrison."
"Gothic fiction, sometimes called Gothic horror..."
"Gothic fiction is a loose literary aesthetic of fear and haunting."
"Gothic architecture of the European Middle Ages... was characteristic of the settings of early Gothic novels."
"later subtitled 'A Gothic Story'"
"The Gothic influence continued into the early 19th century..."
"...novels by Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters..."
"Later well-known works were Dracula by Bram Stoker..."
"...works by the American writers Edgar Allan Poe..."
"Works by the Romantic poets... frequently drew upon gothic motifs..."
"Twentieth-century contributors include Daphne du Maurier, Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Anne Rice, and Toni Morrison."
"Gothic fiction, sometimes called Gothic horror (primarily in the 20th century)..."
"...Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."