Parts Of A Gothic Novel
The first true examples of the Gothic novel appeared in England between 1790 and 1830, though the elements for these tales had been in existence since the Middle Ages. A doomed romance, dreary setting, evil villain, and fallen hero are all basic parts of a Gothic story.
In Gothic novels the setting of the story is just as important as the characters that populate it. Often gloomy castles, ancient mansions, or even dark and sinister forests play a large part. Whatever can be used to create feelings of unease and dread in the reader is used to great effect in these stories.
The protagonist and antagonist of a Gothic novel are also written a specific way to create the biggest feeling of unease in a reader. The main character is usually innocent, virtuous, and honorable, while the villain is the exact opposite. And throughout the course of the story the hero begins to change to more resemble the villain through actions and deeds.
The famous novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is an example of a this genre, as is 'The Monk' by Howard Anderson. Jane Austen, who wrote many popular romantic novels, included references to these more sinister tales in her own work. A character in her book 'Emma' recommends 'The Romance of the Forest' by Ann Ward Radcliffe to a friend.
Many of the elements of these classic novels translate into the horror writing of modern times. Readers are still frightened of the supernatural and the unknown, as well as more realistic fears such as murder, rape, and violence.
While a part of the larger category of Romantic Literature, Gothic novels go beyond just telling tales of love and drama. In their own dark and brooding way, they break down the formality of Romance and give a more brutal version of where feelings of passion and need can lead a person. Read more about: Gothic Novel
In Gothic novels the setting of the story is just as important as the characters that populate it. Often gloomy castles, ancient mansions, or even dark and sinister forests play a large part. Whatever can be used to create feelings of unease and dread in the reader is used to great effect in these stories.
The protagonist and antagonist of a Gothic novel are also written a specific way to create the biggest feeling of unease in a reader. The main character is usually innocent, virtuous, and honorable, while the villain is the exact opposite. And throughout the course of the story the hero begins to change to more resemble the villain through actions and deeds.
The famous novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is an example of a this genre, as is 'The Monk' by Howard Anderson. Jane Austen, who wrote many popular romantic novels, included references to these more sinister tales in her own work. A character in her book 'Emma' recommends 'The Romance of the Forest' by Ann Ward Radcliffe to a friend.
Many of the elements of these classic novels translate into the horror writing of modern times. Readers are still frightened of the supernatural and the unknown, as well as more realistic fears such as murder, rape, and violence.
While a part of the larger category of Romantic Literature, Gothic novels go beyond just telling tales of love and drama. In their own dark and brooding way, they break down the formality of Romance and give a more brutal version of where feelings of passion and need can lead a person. Read more about: Gothic Novel