The Gothic Novel
Influenced by medieval architecture, first originating in Thames, London and by Horace
Walpole, who turned his house into a gothic attraction by adding arched doors, windows, and
medieval ornaments. Castles were omnipresent in the medieval age, therefore the first gothic
novels featured haunted castles.
Elements of the Gothic Novel
Castle as a setting--Often filled with secret passageways and ominous/mysterious designs
Ancient Prophecies--Worked into the story about the castle and those who live in it.
Women--Often in distress, and oppressed by a monstrous/powerful male figure, forced to do
intolerable, unwanted things, such as committing crimes or marrying someone
Omens, portents, and visions- Characters in a gothic novel may have dreams that predict some
sort of disturbing event. For example a character may dream about the statue of his lord falling
over, symbolizing the lord’s future death.
Supernatural or unexplainable events- Amazing and surprising events occur, such as
inanimate objects coming to life, ghosts appearing, or even monsters walking. In some works the
supernatural events are accounted for by giving natural explanations while others give no
explanation whatsoever,
High or excited emotions- Characters are usually greatly affected by very strong emotions in
gothic novels. The narration may be extremely sentimental and characters are usually
overwhelmed by feelings of anger, sorrow, terror, and surprise. They suffer from feelings of
impending doom. Characters may give emotional and frightening speeches frequently. When
turned into film, gothic works involved much screaming.
Metaphors Alluding to Horror and Gloom--Mostly suggestive of mystery, danger, and
especially the supernatural. Common symbols and stand-ins include:
Howling wind, grating doors,lights blown out by winds, shutting doors, thunder and
lightning
A Vocabulary Setting a Gothic, Dark Atmosphere--Gothic authors use vocabulary that creates
a dark, oppressive atmosphere, using words suggesting fear, sorrow, surprise, anger, and
darkness