The famous Gothic stories or novels usually contain grotesque characters, sheer terror, graphic morbidity, supernatural and picturesque adventures to entertain the reader. For instance, social injustice, corruption, the class system, gender norms, racism, and more. They use these Gothic elements to tackle serious issues that require much attention. The Gothic writers mostly fabricate their narratives using elements like horror, mystery, suspense, romance, decay and degeneration. Later, in the 19th century, it also became popular in the United States as the darkest form of ‘Dark Romanticism’, a genre that emerged from the ‘Transcendental Movement’ in America. It basically emerged as the subgenre of Romanticism in 18th century’s England. Gothicism in literature (Gothic fiction or Gothic literature) is a style of writing characterized by gloomy settings, grotesque action, supernatural elements, romance and exoticism. Gothicism in Literature: Definition & Introduction Why is Gothicism in Literature Still Popular Today?ġ. Difference between Romanticism and Gothicism in Literature Famous Gothic Writers: Representatives of Gothicism in literature A List of Famous Gothic Novels of All Time Some Important Motifs and Conventions in Gothic Fiction Major Characteristics of Gothicism in Literature Key Elements of Gothicism in Literature: Gothic Novel Elements Development of Gothicism in Literature: The Gothic Fiction & Writers
The discussion will end with exploring why Gothic fiction has retained its appeal even with today’s audiences. Finally, I’ll discuss some famous Gothic writers and their major works. It’s also essential that readers learn to recognize Gothic literature themes, motifs and conventions. Besides, it is equally necessary to explore the factors which led writers to adopt this particularly gruesome style of narration. In order to fully appreciate Gothicism in literature, it’s mandatory to understand its place in history and society.
Afterwards, I’ll analyze major characteristics of Gothic fiction, from the terror and dread it induces in its characters and audience to the literary devices its writers employ to create a sense of gruesome and macabre. In this post, I’ll define Gothicism in literature (Gothic fiction or Gothic literature), origin and development of Gothic fiction, and then explore the classic elements of Gothic literature. But do you know that this horror genre is so much more than a scary form of entertainment? In a literal sense, Gothic Literature or Gothic fiction really abounds in frightening elements and dark themes. The Gothic writers compose deliciously terrifying stories featuring dark and creepy settings, supernatural interferences, ancient family curses and a prevailing atmosphere of terror and mystery.
Gothicism in literature, or Gothic literature, is a style of writing characterized by gloomy settings, supernatural elements, and exoticism.