9/4/2023 0 Comments Gothic literature summaryOne or more male characters has the power, as king, lord of the manor, father, or guardian, to demand that one or more of the female characters do something intolerable. Women threatened by a powerful, impulsive, tyrannical male. A lonely, pensive, and oppressed heroine is often the central figure of the novel, so her sufferings are even more pronounced and the focus of attention.Ĩ. As an appeal to the pathos and sympathy of the reader, the female characters often face events that leave them fainting, terrified, screaming, and/or sobbing. Crying and emotional speeches are frequent. Characters suffer from raw nerves and a feeling of impending doom. The narration may be highly sentimental, and the characters are often overcome by anger, sorrow, surprise, and especially, terror. In some works, the events are ultimately given a natural explanation, while in others the events are truly supernatural.Ħ. Dramatic, amazing events occur, such as ghosts or giants walking, or inanimate objects (such as a suit of armor or painting) coming to life. Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events. For example, if the statue of the lord of the manor falls over, it may portend his death.ĥ. ![]() A character may have a disturbing dream vision, or some phenomenon may be seen as a portent of coming events. “What could it mean?” In more watered down modern examples, this may amount to merely a legend: “It’s said that the ghost of old man Krebs still wanders these halls.”Ĥ. The prophecy is usually obscure, partial, or confusing. ![]() An ancient prophecy is connected with the castle or its inhabitants (either former or present). Elements 3, 4, and 5 below contribute to this atmosphere.ģ. Often the plot itself is built around a mystery, such as unknown parentage, a disappearance, or some other inexplicable event. The work is pervaded by a threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown. The castle may be near or connected to caves, which lend their own haunting flavor with their branchings, claustrophobia, and mystery.Ģ. The castle often contains secret passages, trap doors, secret rooms, dark or hidden staircases, and possibly ruined sections. ![]() The action takes place in and around an old castle, sometimes seemingly abandoned, sometimes occupied.
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