Transcript The Gothic Novel

The Gothic Novel
Background Notes
Gothic Elements
The Goths
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a Germanic tribe
Originated in Sweden and spread through
Europe
Reached the height of their power around 5th
century A.D., when they sacked Rome and
captured Spain.
Connection to the Gothic Novel?
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During the Renaissance, Europeans
rediscovered Greco-Roman culture
and began to regard a particular type
of architecture, mainly those built
during the Middle Ages, as "gothic" –
 No connection to the Goths, but
they were considered barbaric and
not in Classical (Roman) style
In the 1800s, "gothic" came to
describe a certain type of novel
because all these novels seemed to
take place in Gothic-styled
architecture -- mainly castles,
mansions, and, of course, abbeys
("Gothic...").
The Gothic Novel
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Gothic novel took shape mostly in England from
1790 to 1830. It falls within the category of Romantic
literature.
But it is a reaction against the rigidity and formality
of other forms of Romantic literature.
The Gothic is not limited to this time period - it takes
its roots from former terrorizing writing that dates
back to the Middle Ages, and can still be found
written today by writers such as Stephen King.
Beauty & the Beast
Conventions of Gothic Literature
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A hero whose birth is enshrouded in mystery.
Restless ghosts groaning for revenge.
Forbidding cliffs, stormy seas (eerie settings)
Ancient manuscripts rediscovered; produces a
narration which gives an air of strangeness to
the exotic setting.
Incest
Characters can often communicate psychically.
Often concerned with the possibility of
returning to life after death.
Conventions, Continued
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Problem of evil presented as a psychological
problem
Castle or house identified with its owner
Characters exhibit overwhelming guilt or pride.
Good characters are usually physically lovely; evil
characters have twisted bodies and ugly faces.
The idyllic life in nature invaded and destroyed by a
dark ambiguous force.
Animals respond to a supernatural presence.
More gothic elements
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Feeling of gloom throughout the story
Terrifying things occur at night, usually after
midnight.
Story often concerned with injustice.
Magic mirrors in which one can see anyone
he wishes.
Moving statues and pictures.
Madness (insanity) often occurs.
Gothic Elements, the last ones
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Dreaded secrets.
Inexplicable music.
Heroine is usually beautiful and virtuous, often an
orphan and given to swooning and weeping.
Hero usually has a vague past, is basically good
but has a flaw.
Characters usually not drawn realistically, may not
even be believable.
Fatal/tortured love
Edward Scissorhands Literary Analysis
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In a one page minimum essay, discuss the
gothic elements in Edward Scissorhands.
How does the movie fit into the gothic style?
Be sure to use your notes on the gothic
elements of literature and use specific
examples from the film.
Due Wednesday 2/1