SH+2014+Gothic+Literature

Gothic Literature __Elizabeth Ramirez: AIM__ When creating a story within the gothic literature genre, an author’s purpose goes far beyond frightening a reader. Robert Harris, a writer and educator concurs,“The work is pervaded by a threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown” (1). Gothic literature is written to not only introduce someone to a tale but make them a character in the plot. Due to this, the reader gets to experience the story first hand, feeling terror, suspense, mystery, a possible supernatural realm, and even a slight chance of romance. The author writes a story that challenges one’s way of thinking and perception of life, to show the person that the world is not always as it seems. Yet, to also do so in such a way that keeps the reader entertained. All of these components are put together by the author through compelling vocabulary, an eerie setting, and a strong, clear atmosphere. This is exactly what the author strives to do in their work.

__Mikaila Bantugan: Historical__ Gothic authors date back back to the eighteenth century where there were new beginnings and unexpected outcomes. Significant events from history can influence the author’s emotions and the way they express themselves through writing. The events can alter their minds and bring up new and darker thoughts. A British philosopher once stated, “For the creation of a masterwork of literature two powers must concur, the power of the man and the power of the moment, and the man is not enough without the moment” (Allen 1). In order for the story to begin, the writer must connect with their surroundings and circumstances. It is a team effort between the elements and man’s observations. Gothic literature is usually considered to give the reader powerful emotions such as a sense of terror and hope by including romance based off of a personal experience. In addition, some works make references to the Devil which relates to the passionate Christian beliefs that the Devil is the ultimate enemy. History will be made from Gothic literature because it is a documented form of expression and the ideas of an individual who was not dictated by the challenges faced by humanity.

__Patrick Martinez: Audience__ The majority of authors belonging to the genre of Gothic literature target those who have interest in horror related stories as their core audience. An article on Gothic literature suggests, “The effect of Gothic fiction feeds on a pleasing sort of terror” (“Gothic fiction” 1). Readers who receive pleasure, whether it be trill or awe, from such chilling narratives are the ones grouped in this audience. In some cases, other audiences can be derived from the primary one, mostly being those who favor romance. Overall, the authors assume that those who read their books will be more than willing to read the graphic and sometimes disturbing events present in the writing. At first this could be seen as a significant weakness but with further analysis it may have the ability to transform into one of the most valued strengths. In the duration of the first few months of a book’s release, the people purchasing the book may be limited to only those who prefer the genre. As time passes, some new to the Gothic genre’s ideas may come across the novel and be captured by its edgy and malicious themes. After this occurs, word could spread of the tale and others could be taken by the story’s unsettling uniqueness.

__Luis Camacho: Cultural__



Gothic fiction has an effect on how authors write literature in modern times. Kathy Prendergast, an author who attempts to summarize the premise of Gothic literature, explains, “The world of Gothic fiction is characterized by a chronic sense of apprehension and the premonition of impending but unidentified disaster” (Prendergast 1). Gothic elements of literature can be found in works throughout the Middle Ages and Victorian England. Poets such as Edgar Allan Poe use Gothic elements in his works. Famous works such as Frankenstein, The Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, and The Mysteries of Udolpho, are pieces of Gothic literature that have been well known in modern pop-culture. However, novels that incorporated Gothic elements and were written after the late 18th century to early 17th century are not considered part of the Gothic canon. Many Gothic works attempt to impart strong moral views on the reader through using emotional experiences, while presenting it in an entertaining format. Gothic fiction continues the tradition set forth by its predecessors in the 1800s.

Works Cited "For the Creation of a Masterwork of Literature Two Powers Must Concur, the Power of the Man and the Power of the Moment, and the Man Is Not Enough without the Moment." Search Quotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2014.

"Gothic Fiction." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 July 2014. Web. 23 July 2014.

Harris, Robert. "Elements of the Gothic Novel." Elements of the Gothic Novel. N.p., 20 Dec. 2013. Web. 24 July 2014.

Prendergast, Kathy. "Gothtrad." Gothtrad. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 July 2014.