GOTHIC WRITING ASSIGNMENT
Gothic elements offended classical writers of the eighteenth century but appealed to the
Romantic writers who followed them. Gothic novels feature places like mysterious and gloomy castles, where horrifying, supernatural events take place.” The Gothic literary tradition continues to this day in such works as Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles series and
Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series.
1.
Gothic Story
Keeping in mind the characteristics of Gothic writing, your first option is to write the introduction to a gothic story. Use descriptive writing. That is, create an impression through specific sensory details.
You should vividly describe the setting and establish a clear sense of tone and mood. You could also introduce one character and suggest a conflict, although that is not required.
2.
“A Rose for Emily”
Suppose that Miss Emily’s diary were found in the locked room after her death. Write a minimum of three journal entries that might be found in the diary, describing her courtship by Homer Barron, her father’s death, her encounter with the aldermen, or her decision to buy arsenic. Be creative!
3.
“Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment”
If you could be ten years old again, knowing what you know now, would you turn back the clock? Tell this story of a teenager who chooses to become a child again.
4.
“Masque of the Red Death”
An allegory is like a metaphor on steroids: a writer tells a fictional story where everything and everyone in it supposed to represent a deeper meaning. Using a plain old metaphor, you might call death “the grim reaper,” but an allegory might build a whole tale of how the grim reaper goes around in a black cloak and informs people of their impending doom. You may write your allegory in one of two ways: a.
Narrative Essay-Write this in narrative form. It should be long enough to contain all elements of plot. You need at least five symbols. b.
Children’s Book-You will write this in narrative form, but your audience is a child. It should be long enough to contain all elements of plot. It will also have artistic representations to accompany the story.
5.
“The Yellow Wallpaper”
Write a sequel to the story, showing what will happen to the narrator and her husband, or a prequel, describing what their courtship was like. Stay true to the characterization and tone already established in “The Yellow Wallpaper”.