Introduction
Gothic literature refers to works that contain horror and scary elements. This type of literature emerged in the late 18th century and gained popularity in the 19th century. The medieval architecture and isolated haunted houses inspired the succeeding author to portray the scenario of loneliness and macabre.
Medieval literature often contains themes of supernatural powers, religious instructions, and psychological depth. The swift change occurred in the late 18th century when Horace Walpole published his work Castle of Otranto: A Gothic Story. Following the footpaths, the succeeding writers started implying gothic elements in their fictional works.
Definition
Gothic literature contains the themes of a gloomy atmosphere, supernatural powers, dark romance, psychological complexity, complex characters, and psychological
depth. The works that employ these key elements fall into gothic literature.
Key Elements
1: Gloomy Atmosphere
The gloomy atmosphere refers to the decaying castles, haunted houses, and barren landscapes. These components are combined to form a setting for the gothic story.
2- Psychological Complexity
This refers to the emotional states of the characters. Characters become victims of their flaws through obsession and madness. Psychological complexity is the basic foundation from which the tragic flaws of the protagonist start occurring.
Dark Romanticism
The genre implies the themes of forbidden love, exploring the dark side of human nature.
Complex characters
These characters follow diverse traits. They experience severe physical or mental suffering. In addition, they act as unknown to themselves and known to others; this behavior creates character complexity in such fictional works.
Isolation and supernatural elements
Ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural creatures/entities are common in Gothic literature. In gothic novels, characters are often isolated because of their psychological problems.
Gothic works
1- The Monk by Matthew Lewis
This is a graphic novel, exploring the themes of violence and corruption that lead the character to horrific deeds, including murder.
2- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
It is a gothic novel that explores the themes of creation, responsibility, and exploration of monstrosity and isolation, which are known examples of gothic elements.
3- The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe
The story is rich with gothic elements such as a haunted and bleak house, decaying trees, and an ancient graveyard. These unsettling events create psychological horror.
FAQs