Poe was an American writer, considered part of the Romantic Movement, in the sub-genre of Dark Romanticism. He became an accomplished poet, short story writer, editor, and literary critic, and gained worldwide fame for his dark, macabre tales of horror, practically inventing the genre of Gothic Literature.
Where did Gothic literature originate from?
But where did Gothic literature originate? Throughout the 18th century, the phenomenon of the Gothic emerged and flourished across Britain . With its emphasis on suspense and the supernatural, terror and the macabre, the Gothic was heralded as a “medieval revival” that stood against the Enlightenment’s focus on reason.
Who invented gothic literature?
Horace Walpole first applied the word ‘Gothic’ to a novel in the subtitle – ‘A Gothic Story’ – of The Castle of Otranto, published in 1764. When he used the word it meant something like ‘barbarous’, as well as ‘deriving from the Middle Ages’.
This list features the best gothic novelists including, the Bronte sisters, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Oscar Wilde , Edgar Allan Poe, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
When was Gothic literature created?
Gothic fiction as a genre was first established with the publication of Horace Walpole’s dark, foreboding The Castle of Otranto in 1764 . In the centuries since, gothic fiction has not only flourished, but also branched off into many popular subgenres.
Why did Gothic literature start?
Gothic fiction began as a sophisticated joke . ... Horace Walpole first applied the word ‘Gothic’ to a novel in the subtitle – ‘A Gothic Story’ – of The Castle of Otranto, published in 1764. When he used the word it meant something like ‘barbarous’, as well as ‘deriving from the Middle Ages’.
What are the 5 elements of gothic literature?
- Gothic elements include the following:
- Setting in a castle. ...
- An atmosphere of mystery and suspense. ...
- An ancient prophecy is connected with the castle or its inhabitants (either former or present).
- Omens, portents, visions. ...
- Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events. ...
- High, even overwrought emotion. ...
- Women in distress.
Why is Gothic literature so popular?
Because they convey deeper meanings, like Frankenstein . They allow people to explore a different type of world through their imagination and the writers imagination showing hidden desires or curiosity.
What influenced gothic literature?
In 1764, Horace Walpole introduced to the world a new genre of literature known as Gothic fiction. He employed elements of the supernatural as well as the everyday in a manner to strike fear into the reader. ... This movement influenced the philosophy, art, architectural, music and literature of that period.
What is the first horror novel?
The Gothic Tradition (1764-1832) The term ‘horror’ first comes into play in the subtitle of Horace Walpole’s 1764 novel, The Castle of Otranto —A Gothic Story.
Is Harry Potter a gothic novel?
The Harry Potter novels are marketed as a children’s fantasy series, however, due to the amount of Gothic content within them, they should be considered as part of the Gothic genre or its sub-genres . ... An exploration of the use of the gothic conventions in J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
What are the 10 elements of Gothic literature?
- Set in a haunted castle or house. ...
- A damsel in distress. ...
- An atmosphere of mystery and suspense. ...
- There is a ghost or monster. ...
- The weather is always awful. ...
- Dreaming/nightmares. ...
- Burdened male protagonist. ...
- Melodrama.
Why is Jane Eyre a gothic novel?
As a whole, the setting of Jane Eyre, the unsettling events of her past, and the cast of characters , all contribute to classifying the novel as a gothic one.
What are the 8 elements of gothic literature?
- Mystery and Fear. One of the crucial components of a captivating Gothic story evokes feelings of suspense and fear.
- Omens and Curses.
- Atmosphere and Setting.
- Supernatural and Paranormal Activity.
- Romance.
- Villain.
- Emotional Distress.
- Nightmares.
What defines Gothic literature?
Gothic fiction, sometimes called Gothic horror in the 20th century, is a genre of literature and film that covers horror, death and at times romance . ... It tends to stress emotion and a pleasurable terror that expands the Romantic literature of the time.
What is the female gothic?
2.1 The Female Gothic
The term Female Gothic was first coined by Ellen Moers in her book Literary Women in 1976 she notes that with this term she refers to Gothic fiction written by women. According to this use, the Female Gothic would merely denote the (female) gender of the writer .
