There are many elements that are included in Gothic Literature that are specific to Gothic Literature. Here we will explore some of the main ones:
1. Setting: the setting for most Gothic Literature are in old architecture, such as rundown castles complete with secret passages and scary dungeons, just to name a few.
2. Environment: the environment where the story is taking place usually reflects the atmosphere, which is usually very dark and eerie. This could be shown in ways such as dark, dead forests or areas of seclusion.
3. Atmosphere: the atmosphere always has a feeling of "mystery, horror and dread" (13). The main character is always left in a state of not knowing what is going to happen next, as well as feeling in danger with every step they take.
4. Protagonists: this character is usually a loner; someone who does not travel as part of a group. The seclusion from the rest of civilization could be for many reasons, such as literally being trapped, hidden away, they could distance themselves emotionally from others, etc...
5. Emotions: all characters in Gothic Literature have a specific emotion during the story. Characters are always pushing themselves towards their goals, doing anything that is takes to achieve them. Female characters tend to be seen as curious creatures with the tendency to fall for opposite gender while male characters are full of angst and testosterone and always seem to be barreling into things blindly.
6. Damsels in Distress: this is quite often shown through female characters who are not strong enough to take care of themselves (simply because they are viewed as the weaker gender) who are helpless towards males who hold them captive. These damsels are usually portrayed as scared and helpless.
7. Foreboding: eerie events always come before a sinister event happens that more often than not affects the protagonist's quest towards their goal.
8. The Supernatural: various supernaturals, such as ghosts or werewolves make their way into Gothic Literature.
9. Decay: this is a main factor of Gothic Literature because it is seen through the characters presented, as well as the setting and atmosphere. It shows that something isn't right, something is broken...something needs to be fixed
10. Drama: this is a necessity. What will happen? Will Joe and Betty be able to look past their differences and finally be together in the end, or will one of them get horribly murdered by a madman?! What a page turner...drama is a must!
There is also romance, which ties in with the element of drama. A lot of Gothic Literature has to do with this beautiful thing called romance, lust and love. Using Beauty and the Beast as an example, we see our main character Belle being held captive by the Beast and the two of them eventually fall in love once she shows him how to be a man (until he is transformed into a human, it's bordering on bestiality...disturbing...thankfully it doesn't go that dark!) Every dark, disturbing story has to have a little bit of hope there and what better way to give people hope than with love!
1. Setting: the setting for most Gothic Literature are in old architecture, such as rundown castles complete with secret passages and scary dungeons, just to name a few.
2. Environment: the environment where the story is taking place usually reflects the atmosphere, which is usually very dark and eerie. This could be shown in ways such as dark, dead forests or areas of seclusion.
3. Atmosphere: the atmosphere always has a feeling of "mystery, horror and dread" (13). The main character is always left in a state of not knowing what is going to happen next, as well as feeling in danger with every step they take.
4. Protagonists: this character is usually a loner; someone who does not travel as part of a group. The seclusion from the rest of civilization could be for many reasons, such as literally being trapped, hidden away, they could distance themselves emotionally from others, etc...
5. Emotions: all characters in Gothic Literature have a specific emotion during the story. Characters are always pushing themselves towards their goals, doing anything that is takes to achieve them. Female characters tend to be seen as curious creatures with the tendency to fall for opposite gender while male characters are full of angst and testosterone and always seem to be barreling into things blindly.
6. Damsels in Distress: this is quite often shown through female characters who are not strong enough to take care of themselves (simply because they are viewed as the weaker gender) who are helpless towards males who hold them captive. These damsels are usually portrayed as scared and helpless.
7. Foreboding: eerie events always come before a sinister event happens that more often than not affects the protagonist's quest towards their goal.
8. The Supernatural: various supernaturals, such as ghosts or werewolves make their way into Gothic Literature.
9. Decay: this is a main factor of Gothic Literature because it is seen through the characters presented, as well as the setting and atmosphere. It shows that something isn't right, something is broken...something needs to be fixed
10. Drama: this is a necessity. What will happen? Will Joe and Betty be able to look past their differences and finally be together in the end, or will one of them get horribly murdered by a madman?! What a page turner...drama is a must!
There is also romance, which ties in with the element of drama. A lot of Gothic Literature has to do with this beautiful thing called romance, lust and love. Using Beauty and the Beast as an example, we see our main character Belle being held captive by the Beast and the two of them eventually fall in love once she shows him how to be a man (until he is transformed into a human, it's bordering on bestiality...disturbing...thankfully it doesn't go that dark!) Every dark, disturbing story has to have a little bit of hope there and what better way to give people hope than with love!