Characteristics of Gothic Literature

Rachelle Chaykin
7 Apr 201512:08
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis presentation delves into the dark and mysterious world of Gothic literature, which originated in late 18th century England and influenced Romanticism with its emphasis on emotion and imagination. Key characteristics include gloomy settings, supernatural elements, and themes of isolation and dread. Classic works such as 'Dracula,' 'Frankenstein,' and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' exemplify the genre's exploration of the tragic and the macabre, often featuring tormented characters and unreliable narrators. The script invites viewers to explore these haunting tales and their enduring legacy.

Takeaways
  • 🏰 Gothic fiction originated in late 18th to early 19th century England and is part of the Romantic literature movement, characterized by a focus on emotions, imagination, and a darker, more tragic narrative compared to other Romantic works.
  • 📚 Classic examples of Gothic literature include 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, and 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson.
  • 🌫️ Settings in Gothic literature are crucial, often featuring old, decaying structures like castles with hidden passages, trap doors, and secret rooms, contributing to a desolate and sinister atmosphere.
  • 🌲 The environment around the setting is also significant, reflecting a desolate or sinister mood with dark forests, imposing mountains, stormy weather, and remote locations that add to the story's tension.
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Atmosphere in Gothic fiction is one of mystery, horror, and dread, with the plot often involving hidden secrets, supernatural elements, and a sense of impending doom.
  • 👤 Characters in Gothic literature are frequently isolated, either physically or emotionally, and are often under extreme duress, with innocence being shattered and emotions running high.
  • 🎭 The characters are also depicted as either innocent or seductive, reflecting the societal views of women during the 18th and 19th centuries as either pure or fallen figures.
  • 🌩️ Ominous effects like storms, thunder, lightning, and ancient curses often precede dark events in Gothic literature, reinforcing the reliance on supernatural elements.
  • 🔮 The presence of ghosts, unexplained phenomena, and ancient curses is common, reflecting the 19th-century fascination with contacting the dead and the supernatural.
  • 💔 Themes of imprisonment, isolation, and decay are prevalent, with characters and settings often reflecting a state of decline, both physically and emotionally.
  • 📖 For those interested in Gothic literature, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' is highly recommended for its exploration of supernatural elements and themes of isolation and decay.
Q & A

  • What is Gothic fiction and when did it originate?

    -Gothic fiction is a literary genre that began in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is characterized by a darker and more tragic tone compared to other works of romantic literature, often featuring elements of horror, mystery, and the supernatural.

  • How does Gothic literature relate to Romantic literature?

    -Gothic literature falls into the realm of Romantic literature, emphasizing the senses, feelings, and imagination. However, it is typically darker and more tragic than other Romantic works.

  • What are some famous examples of Gothic literature?

    -Some famous examples of Gothic literature include 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, 'The Turn of the Screw', and 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson.

  • Why is setting so important in Gothic literature?

    -In Gothic literature, the setting is crucial as it often involves old, rundown structures like castles or manors with hidden passages, trap doors, and secret rooms. The environment typically reflects a desolate or sinister atmosphere, adding to the tension and mystery of the story.

  • What kind of atmosphere does Gothic literature create?

    -Gothic literature creates an atmosphere of mystery, horror, and dread. The stories often involve a sense of impending doom and focus on the morbid or grotesque.

  • How do the characters in Gothic literature typically experience isolation?

    -Characters in Gothic literature are usually isolated or alone, either physically or emotionally. This isolation can be self-imposed or a result of circumstances beyond their control.

  • What are some common themes in Gothic literature?

    -Common themes in Gothic literature include the supernatural, hidden secrets, ancient curses, dark forces, imprisonment, and isolation. There is also a focus on decay, whether it be of a family, community, country, or individual.

  • How are emotions portrayed in Gothic literature?

    -Emotions in Gothic literature tend to run high, with intense feelings, passion, and strong will. Men are often portrayed as being hyper-emotional, while women are depicted as either innocent or seductive.

  • What is the significance of the supernatural in Gothic literature?

    -The supernatural is significant in Gothic literature as it often includes ghosts, vampires, and other unexplained manifestations that threaten the protagonist and contribute to the sense of dread and mystery.

  • What is the role of the environment in contributing to the Gothic atmosphere?

    -The environment in Gothic literature plays a crucial role in setting the tone. It often features dark forests, imposing mountains, stormy weather, and desolate areas far from civilization, which contribute to the sinister and ominous atmosphere.

  • How does the script describe the typical plot of Gothic literature?

    -The script describes the typical plot of Gothic literature as involving hidden secrets that threaten the protagonist, often dealing with the supernatural. There is a sense of dread, and the story may include elements such as murders, kidnappings, madness, and tragic illnesses.

Outlines
00:00
📜 Introduction to Gothic Literature

The first paragraph introduces the concept of Gothic literature, which originated in late 18th and early 19th century England as part of the Romantic literary movement. It distinguishes Gothic fiction by its darker and more tragic themes compared to other Romantic works. Key examples of Gothic literature, such as 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, 'The Turn of the Screw', and 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson, are highlighted. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of setting in Gothic fiction, often depicted as old, decaying structures with hidden passages and secret rooms, and the surrounding environment that reflects a desolate or sinister atmosphere, contributing to the tension and ominous mood of the stories.

05:00
👻 Key Elements and Themes in Gothic Fiction

This paragraph delves into the specific elements and themes of Gothic literature, including the atmosphere of mystery, horror, and dread that pervades the genre. It discusses the common plot devices involving hidden secrets, supernatural elements, and the presence of ghosts and otherworldly creatures that threaten the protagonists. The characters are often isolated, either physically or emotionally, and are under extreme duress. The narrative may feature unreliable narrators, adding to the suspense and uncertainty of the story. Emotions are intense, with characters defying norms and pursuing their goals despite the odds. The paragraph also touches on the portrayal of women as either innocent or seductive, reflecting the societal views of the time. The use of ominous signs, ancient curses, and dark forces that are beyond human control is prevalent, often leading to tragic outcomes such as imprisonment, isolation, and decay.

10:01
🏰 Supernatural and Emotional Intensity in Gothic Narratives

The final paragraph wraps up the discussion on Gothic literature by examining the supernatural and emotional intensity that characterizes the genre. It mentions the rational explanations that some Gothic authors, like Edgar Allan Poe, attempted to provide for the supernatural occurrences in their stories, while still suggesting otherworldly implications. The paragraph also addresses the environmental decay that is often a backdrop for the narrative, symbolizing the decline of families, communities, or individuals. Recommendations for further reading are provided, with 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde being highlighted for its superb writing and unique supernatural elements. 'Jane Eyre' is suggested for those interested in anti-feminist works, and 'Wuthering Heights' for a tragic love story. The speaker invites questions and concludes the presentation.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Gothic fiction
Gothic fiction is a literary genre that originated in the late 18th and early 19th century, characterized by its dark, mysterious, and often supernatural themes. It is a form of romantic literature that emphasizes feelings, imagination, and the senses, but differs in its focus on the darker and more tragic aspects of the human experience. In the script, Gothic fiction is exemplified by works like 'Dracula' and 'Frankenstein,' which feature elements of horror and the macabre.
💡Romanticism
Romanticism is an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century. It is characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism, as well as glorification of the past and nature. The script mentions that Gothic fiction falls into the realm of Romantic literature, indicating a shared focus on intense feelings and the imagination, but with a darker and more tragic twist.
💡Setting
In Gothic fiction, the setting is crucial and often involves old, decaying structures like castles or manors with hidden passages and secret rooms. The script highlights the importance of setting by describing it as a 'drafty old house' and mentioning the desolate areas like the moors in 'Wuthering Heights,' which contribute to the eerie and sinister atmosphere of the stories.
💡Supernatural
The supernatural is a key element in Gothic fiction, involving phenomena that cannot be explained by the laws of nature. The script refers to the presence of ghosts, vampires, and creatures like Frankenstein's monster, which add a sense of dread and mystery to the stories, instilling fear and suspense in the reader.
💡Isolation
Isolation is a common theme in Gothic literature, where characters are physically or emotionally separated from others. The script illustrates this with the example of the creature in 'Frankenstein,' who is isolated due to his unnatural existence, as well as the characters in 'Wuthering Heights' who are isolated by their circumstances or emotional states.
💡Dread
Dread in Gothic fiction is a feeling of intense apprehension or fear, often in anticipation of something terrible. The script describes the atmosphere of dread as a pervasive sense that something bad is going to happen, which is a central element in building tension and suspense in the stories.
💡Mystery
Mystery in Gothic fiction is integral to the plot, often involving hidden secrets that threaten the protagonist. The script mentions that the plot is driven by mysteries that are often intertwined with the supernatural, creating a sense of unease and curiosity that propels the narrative forward.
💡Decay
Decay is a recurring motif in Gothic literature, symbolizing the decline of individuals, families, or even entire societies. The script describes the physical decay of settings, such as crumbling manor houses, and the metaphorical decay of characters, like Dorian Gray's portrait, which ages while he remains young.
💡Emotion
Emotion plays a significant role in Gothic fiction, often depicted as intense and passionate. The script notes that characters in Gothic stories are under extreme duress, experiencing strong feelings that drive their actions, such as love, fear, and despair.
💡Damsels in distress
The concept of 'damsels in distress' refers to female characters who are threatened or in peril, often due to the actions of a malevolent force or circumstance. The script mentions this trope as a common element in Gothic fiction, where women are portrayed as innocent victims, such as in 'Dracula,' where the female character is threatened by the vampire.
💡Anti-feminist
Anti-feminist refers to views or works that oppose the goals of feminism, often perpetuating traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The script suggests that 'Jane Eyre' can be seen as an anti-feminist work, as it adheres to certain societal expectations of the time, such as the portrayal of women as either pure or seductive.
Highlights

Gothic fiction originated in late 18th to early 19th century England and spread globally, including the United States.

Gothic literature is a subset of Romantic literature, emphasizing feelings and imagination but with a darker and more tragic tone.

Notable works of Gothic literature include 'Dracula', 'Frankenstein', 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', 'Wuthering Heights', 'Jane Eyre', and 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'.

Gothic settings often feature old, rundown structures like castles with hidden passages and secret rooms, contributing to a sense of dread.

The environment in Gothic fiction typically reflects a desolate or sinister atmosphere, with dark forests, stormy weather, and isolation from civilization.

Gothic plots often involve hidden secrets, supernatural elements, and a sense of impending horror or dread.

Characters in Gothic fiction are frequently isolated, either physically or emotionally, and under extreme duress.

Narrators in Gothic stories are often unreliable, with their sanity and perceptions being questioned.

Emotions in Gothic literature are intense, with characters defying others and common sense in pursuit of their goals.

Male characters tend to be hyper-emotional, reflecting societal norms of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Gothic fiction often features women as either innocent victims or seductresses, adhering to traditional gender roles of the time.

The atmosphere of foreboding in Gothic literature is underscored by ominous effects like storms, thunder, and lightning.

Themes of imprisonment, isolation, and supernatural elements are prevalent, reflecting the fascination with contacting the dead during the 1800s.

Gothic stories may include rational explanations for supernatural events, but often suggest otherworldly influences.

Decay is a common theme in Gothic literature, symbolized by crumbling manor houses, declining families, or individuals facing decline.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is recommended for its exploration of supernatural elements and the theme of isolation.

Jane Eyre is suggested for those interested in anti-feminist works, showcasing societal expectations of women.

Wuthering Heights offers a tragic love story, fitting for those who enjoy the emotional intensity of Gothic romance.

Transcripts

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