A Halloween Journey Through Gothic Literature: Part I - A Brief Introduction

Gothic literature is unlike any other literary genre, distinguished by its enigmatic allure. With its dark and eerie aesthetics, intricate symbolism, and profound exploration of the human psyche, it stands as a genre that remains captivating through the ages. Novels like 'Frankenstein,' 'Dracula,' 'Wuthering Heights,' and 'Jane Eyre' have achieved cult classic status, retaining their grip on readers even today. But what is it that makes gothic literature so enthralling? When and why did it emerge, and what does it truly represent? In this new series called, 'A Halloween Journey Through Literature,' I will delve into these questions and provide literary examples that showcase the enduring fascination of Gothicism.

To comprehend the literary and cultural importance of gothic literature, it is important to learn its origins. Even though we are reminded of novels when we first think of the term ''gothic'', it actually emerged as an architectural style during the Medieval Ages. Later gothic architecture's dark, fascinating, and eerie style became an inspiration for Gothic literature, which became known as 'Dark Romanticism'' in the USA later on. This genre emerged in the 18th century, as a subgenre of Romantic literature.

Gothic writers used a series of different elements such as suspicion, degradation, mystery, and decay to convey social issues in their societies. These issues varied from gender disparities to injustice in the social hierarchy. In the world of Gothic literature, settings, and atmosphere are not only used as backstage; they are characters in their own right. Gothic novels place a strong emphasis on atmospheric elements, often providing detailed descriptions of settings and locations. These vivid depictions serve to immerse the reader in the eerie and fascinating worlds created by Gothic authors. From crumbling castles to desolate moors, these settings play an essential role in crafting the macabre and mysterious landscapes that define the genre.

Famous gothic works such as Frankenstein and The Castle of Otranto, which is the first gothic novel, tackle societal problems through their symbolic meanings. For instance, in The Castle of Otranto, the gigantic helmet is a symbol of impending doom. It foreshadows the tragedy and chaos that will haunt the family. The novel depicts the ruthless pursuit of power as the center of the plot. This can be seen as a commentary on the potential abuses of authority and the corrupting effects of power.

While Gothic literature is often associated with horror and terror, it also serves as a vehicle for exploring cultural anxieties and societal norms. For example, vampires, which occur commonly in gothic novels, often represent the fear of contagious diseases or the fear of colonialism. So, in essence, Gothic literature represents a fascination with the dark and mysterious aspects of the human experience. It delves into the unexplainable, the irrational, and the subconscious.

But what about Gothic poetry? Well, even though they share a lot of common features, gothic poems usually delve into the human psyche and explore inner torment. Plus, even though some gothic poems may tell stories, the narrative is often less central in gothic poetry compared to gothic novels. That's why gothic poems usually focus on exploring emotions and themes rather than a plotline.

Nowadays, Gothic literature is the foundation of the horror genre, introducing its core themes and elements. The influence of Gothic literature on modern horror is obvious in the popularity of Gothic themes in literature, film, and other media.

As we've reached the end of Part I of our Halloween Journey Through Gothic Literature, I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to the world of Gothic literature and its origins. In Part II of our series, we will delve deeper into the role of Gothic settings. We'll travel from the haunting tales of Edgar Allan Poe to the desolate moors of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, as we explore how these settings contribute to the fascinating atmosphere of Gothic literature.

So, stay tuned for the next installment of 'A Halloween Journey Through Literature' as we uncover the secrets hidden within Gothic settings. Until our next meeting in Part II, stay curious and keep the Gothic spirit alive!

References

Pang, W., Wang, D. and Hu, S. (2015) Gothicism in The Fall of the House of Usher. Advances in Literary Study, 3, 15-20. doi: 10.4236/als.2015.31003.

Harris, Elif. Gothicism in literature. Elif notes, 2023.

Mullan, John. The Origins of the Gothic, 2014, The British Library. https://www.bl.uk/romantics-and-victorians/articles/the-origins-of-the-gothic