"The name refers to Gothic architecture of the European Middle Ages, which was characteristic of the settings of early Gothic novels."
This topic traces the development of Gothic literature from its origins in the late 18th century to its modern iterations in film, television, and other media.
Historical Context: Understanding the cultural and historical context in which Gothic literature emerged is crucial to understanding its evolution. This includes the political, social, and economic factors that influenced people and their literature.
Gothic Elements: Gothic literature is characterized by certain themes, settings, and motifs. These include supernatural or mysterious events, haunted castles or mansions, archaic language, and psychological terror.
The Gothic Novel: The Gothic novel is a particular form of literature that emerged in the late 18th century which featured Gothic elements to evoke feelings of terror and suspense.
Gothic Subgenres: There are several subgenres of Gothic literature, including Southern Gothic, Victorian Gothic, and Postmodern Gothic, each with its own unique features and themes.
Gothic Architecture: Gothic architecture heavily influenced Gothic literature, and understanding the characteristics and symbolism of Gothic architecture can help readers understand the literary movement.
Gothic Fashion: The characteristic dress and style of the Gothic subculture has its roots in Gothic literature, and it continues to influence fashion today.
Gothic Music: Gothic music, including genres such as goth rock and darkwave, is heavily influenced by Gothic literature and shares its themes and aesthetics.
Gothic Film: Many films have been made based on Gothic literature, and understanding how the literary themes and elements are translated to the screen can deepen one's appreciation of the genre.
Gothic Poetry: While Gothic literature is often associated with prose fiction, there are also many Gothic poems that explore similar themes and evoke similar emotions.
The Legacy of Gothic Literature: Gothic literature continues to inspire and influence writers and artists to this day, and understanding its history and evolution can help readers appreciate its ongoing impact.
The Supernatural Gothic: This type of Gothic literature often involves supernatural or paranormal elements that add to the tension and create an eerie atmosphere. Examples include Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula.
The Southern Gothic: This type of Gothic literature is set in the American South and often deals with dark themes such as violence, poverty, and racism. Examples include William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily and Flannery O'Connor's Wise Blood.
The Romantic Gothic: This type of Gothic literature is characterized by a focus on emotions, imagination, and individualism. It often features romantic and tragic themes, and supernatural or mystical elements. Examples include Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven and Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables.
The Female Gothic: This type of Gothic literature is written by and for women and often deals with themes of persecution and oppression. It involves strong female protagonists who face deep emotional struggles. Examples include Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca.
The Psychological Gothic: This type of Gothic literature is more focused on the characters' psychological states than on supernatural elements. It deals with themes like fear, anxiety, and trauma. Examples include Henry James' The Turn of the Screw and Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House.
"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."