A Gothic Fiction Guide
Please define the following terms, answer the following questions and when
appropriate provide examples from the text(s) (Frankenstein, The Vampyre,
and A Fragment of a Novel).
Georgia Southern University provides a nice introduction to gothic fiction:
“Generally speaking, gothic literature delves into the macabre nature of humanity in
its quest to satiate mankind's intrinsic desire to plumb the depths of terror”*
They offer 7 descriptors for Gothic Fiction. Provide Examples and further
explanation of these terms:
1) The appearance of the supernatural
2) The psychology of horror and/or terror,
3) The poetics of the sublime
4) A sense of mystery and dread
5) The appealing hero/villain
6) The distressed heroine
7) Strong moral closure (usually at least).
Define & Provide Examples
Gothic Counterfeit:
Metonymy of Gloom & Terror (define metonymy first and then the metonymy
of Gloom & Terror)
Tone (Define and discuss the typical tone of a Gothic piece of literature) -
Provide a detailed response along with examples for the following:
Talk about the role of setting in a work of Gothic Fiction
Talk about the role of the supernatural in Gothic Fiction:
Talk about the role of Romance in Gothic Fiction:
The Term “Gothic” is a notoriously squirrely term, now that you have
researched the topic provide your own definition below: