elements of a gothic novel
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Elements of a Gothic Novel. Elements of a Gothic Novel. Setting in a Castle An Atmosphere of Mystery and Suspense An Ancient Prophecy Omens, Portents, and Visions Supernatural or otherwise Inexplicable events High, even overwrought emotion. Elements (cont). Women in distress - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Elements of a Gothic Novel
Elements of a Gothic Novel Setting in a Castle An Atmosphere of Mystery and
Suspense An Ancient Prophecy Omens, Portents, and Visions Supernatural or otherwise
Inexplicable events High, even overwrought emotion
Elements (cont)
Women in distress Women threatened by a powerful,
impulsive, tyrannical male The Metonymy of Gloom and Horror Vocabulary of the Gothic Elements of Romance
Setting in a Castle
Action takes place in or around an old castle, sometimes abandoned. It often has trap doors, secret
passages, or anything else that leads to a sense of the unknown
Atmosphere of Mystery and Suspense Pervaded by a threatening feeling, a
fear enhanced by the unknown: Mystery could include-unknown
parents, disappearance, or some other
Ancient Prophecy
Usually obscure, and connected with its inhabitants (either former or present)
Eventually manifested as a legend or folk tale (Ex: “It is said that the ghost of old man Smith stills wanders these halls…”)
Omens, Portents, Visions Portent means-Indication of
something that is about to happen, or soon going to come; a foreshadowing
Often shown in dreams, or visions EX: If a statue of the main character
falls and breaks, that is an omen of what is to come—his death.
Supernatural or Otherwise Inexplicable Events Dramatic amazing events occurred,
such as ghosts or giants walking, or inanimate objects coming to life.
High, Overwrought Emotion Characters often overcome by
extreme: Anger Sorrow Depression Surprise And Especially Terror
Frequent Crying Breathlessness and Panic are
common
Women in Distress Female Characters often face events
that leave them: Fainting Terrified Screaming/Crying
Characteristics are: Pensive Lonely Oppressed
Women Threatened by Powerful, Tyrannical Male Male character has the power as:
King Lord of the Manor Father Guardian▪ To demand she do something intolerable▪ Marry someone she doesn’t love▪ Commit a Crime▪ Etc.
The Metonymy of Gloom and Horror A type of metaphor for doom and gloom:
Examples:▪Wind, especially howling▪Rain, especially blowing▪ Footsteps approaching▪ Lights in abandoned rooms▪ Thunder and lightening▪Ruins of buildings
Vocabulary of the Gothic
Listed in several categories: Mystery: Diabolical, Enchantment,
Haunted Fear/Terror: Afflicted, Agony,
Frantic, Grief Surprise:Alarm, Astonishment,
Shock Haste: Breathless, Anxious,
Frantic, Sudden Anger: Provoked, Rage, Raving,
Wrath Largeness: Gigantic, Vast,
Tremendous
Elements of Romance
Powerful Love Uncertainty of Reciprocation Unreturned Love Tension Between true love and
father’s control Lovers Parted Illicit love or lust threatens the
virtuous one Rival lovers or multiple suitors
Powerful Love
Heat stirring, often sudden, emotions create a life or death commitment
Uncertainty of ReciprocationWhat is the beloved thinking? Is
the lover’s love returned or not?
Unreturned Love
Someone loves in vain (at least temporarily). Later, the love may be returned
Tension Between the True Love and Father’s Control
Disapproval, or choice. Most often, the father of the woman disapproves of the man she loves
Lovers Parted
Some obstacles arise and separate the lovers, geographically or in some other way
Illicit Love or Lust Threatens the Virtuous One
The young woman becomes the target of some evil man’s desires and schemes.
Rival Lovers or Multiple Suitors One of the lovers (or even both) can
have more than one person vying for their affection