Adapted from Robert Vaux
Gothic fiction began in England in the late 18th/ early 19th
century. Soon, it spread to other parts of the world,
especially the United States
It falls in the realm of Romantic literature, where faith in
the senses, feelings, and imagination were emphasized.
Gothic literature is often darker and more tragic than other
Romantic works of the period.
• Often set in old, rundown structures (especially castles
or great country manors)
• Buildings usually feature hidden passages, trap doors,
dungeons or secret rooms, and has suffered a decline
from its former greatness.
• The area around the setting, the environment, reflects a
bleak or foreboding atmosphere:
• Dark forests, imposing mountains, stormy weather or
areas far away from civilization
• Gothic literature stresses an atmosphere of mystery,
horror and dread. The plot involves hidden secrets
which threaten the protagonist.
• Usually isolated or alone
• Isolation can come in different forms (physical or
emotional) and may be self-imposed or a result of
circumstances beyond their control
• Story contains many intense emotions (like Romantic
literature)
• Characters are often passionate and strong-willed,
defying others or even their own common sense in
pursuit of their goals.
• Women are often curious and have a tendency to swoon
• Men storm and rage in reflection of unseen inner
torments.
• A woman is threatened by tyrannical men or by the
circumstances in which they find themselves.
• They often appear frightened and may suffer from some
kind of ailment.
• Ominous implications precede dark events
• Unlucky omens appear, ancient curses linger in the air,
• Dark forces beyond the hero's control thwart his
ambitions
• Ghosts and unexplained manifestations often appear
• Sometimes, these elements have a rational explanation,
but the implication always suggests something not of
this world.
• The overall impression of a Gothic world is one of
decay: a formerly great family, community, country or
individual who has peaked and now begins a slow
process of decline.
• This appears both in the landscape (crumbling
buildings) and in the characters themselves
• Events in Gothic literature emphasize high emotion and often reflect
a heightened sense of drama.
• Murders, kidnappings, people going mad and tragic illnesses are par
for the course.
Adapted from: [Link]