John Keats (1795-1821), a well-known Romantic literary poet, coined the term "Negative Capability" in a letter to his brothers, George and Tom,...Continue
Gothic literature is a literary genre of dark and suspenseful settings, often presenting crumbling castles, gloomy monasteries, and ancient cemeteries. It appeared in the late 18th century and peaked during the 19th century. This genre often shows mysterious and supernatural elements and creates an atmosphere of suspense and fear. This paper aims to discuss the tales of gothic novels.
Gothic Elements: Gothic novels are depicted by recurring factors that produce a sense of horror and the supernatural. These contain ghosts, mysterious figures, curses, and inexplicable circumstances. The protagonists often find themselves trapped in a web of secrets. They are also tormented by the past or chased by a terrifying force. The supernatural elements create tension and fear and hold readers in their seats.
Romantic and Emotional: The next point I am going to discuss is the romantic and emotional elements of the Gothic novel. The Gothic novel is closely connected to the Romantic movement. It also highlights extreme emotions and examines the human mind. Characters in these novels often undergo potent emotions such as love, fear, and despair. The story may involve passionate love affairs, tragic fates, and a sense of the sublime, where the beauty of nature is interlaced with the spooky and the threatening.
Notable Gothic Novels: Several iconic Gothic novels have everlasting influenced literature. In addition to Horace Walpole’s (1717-1797) “The Castle of Otranto” (1764), Mary Shelley’s (1797-1831) “Frankenstein” (1818), Bram Stoker’s (1847-1912) “Dracula” (1897), and Emily Brontë’s (1818-1848) “Wuthering Heights” (1847) are believed classic examples of the genre. Each of these works analyzes different characteristics of the Gothic tradition.
In closing, the Gothic novel is a fascinating literary genre that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. It combines elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural together. Its influence is still felt today, with Gothic themes impacting various forms of literature, film, and popular culture. The genre’s ability to produce a sense of fear and fascination continues to captivate readers. These make it a timeless and permanent part of literary history.