Gothic LiteratureThe Elements

What is Gothic Literature? Ruin, decay, death, terror

and chaos Dark side of nature Irrational human behavior

Characteristics Intricate plot Stock characters The “Double” Subterranean

labyrinths Ruined castles Supernatural

occurrences

Themes

Terror vs. Horror Terror grows out of

suspense Horror produces disgust

Appearance vs. Reality Events appear to be supernatural

Realistic explanations are offered

Dreamlike / nightmarish state

Narrator or characters may appear to be sane but….

Confinement Claustrophobia Entrapment of the hero/heroine Subterranean passage way Elicits both horror and terror

Justice vs. Injustice Guilt and Reparation of sins Justice Triumphs

Styles

Setting Most important device Emotion External conditions provide much of

the suspense

Narrative Manner Complex and complicated Woven around some theme or idea Epistolary First person

Mood Fear Anxiety Terror Horror Nightmares