The GothicHelp with AO4 (The Yellow Wallpaper and The Bloody Chamber)

Elements of the Gothic Novel GENRE

Romantic literature Reaction against other forms of Romantic literature CONTEXT Mostly written 1790 – 1830 Influenced by the past – mediaeval (modern gothic often uses Victoriana)

SETTING Setting vital – atmosphere of horror and dread but also deterioration Often a castle (ruined)

PLOT Blurs fantasy and reality Pursuit, entrapment, escape

Elements of the Gothic Novel MEN

Protagonist is isolated Usually dark haired Usually of high social rank Striking physical presence (often blatantly sexual) Consists of actions not feelings Male hero has secret past Villain is evil

WOMEN Victims Often blonde Bad women have dark hair and red lips and threaten men sexually and overpower them Mothers sometimes feature (obstacles in the way of heroine/victim)

Elements of the Gothic Novel THEMES

Depicting a fallen world Sublime and supernatural Madness, secrets and lies Fear Savagery Doubles/opposites:

Dark and light Frankenstein and Monster Dracula and Van Helsing Heathcliff and Earnshaw/Hindley and Linton Rochester and St John/Jane and Bertha Macbeth and Banquo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW3gKKiTvjs