Origins of Gothic Literature

  Gothic literature began in the year 1765, with its first novel The Castle of Otranto, by Horace Walpole. This novel was based upon an Italian prince

who plans to turn away the curse brought on his family when his grandfather seizes the principality of Otranto. These novels were seen as a source of barbarism (a brutal or ignorant act). Gothic writers were mostly protestants, where as Catholics were very superstitious therefore where more closer to barbarism.

In literature, the word ‘Gothic’ refers to a mode of fiction dealing with supernatural or horrifying events.

 
 It also originated from rich architecture mainly between the 12th-14th centeury. Its intricasies of the height, ribbed vaulting and stained glassed windowns of Catherderals, showed a medium of being between Earth and Heaven. It Catholic styles influenced the presence of Catholicism within gothic literature, recieved negativity due to many unexpected occurences within the church. The vaulting arches and spires of Gothic cathedrals reach widly to the sky as if the builders were trying to grasp the heavens a desire for the eternal. 

Gothic literature can be traced back from many religious, cultural and artistic features. These features became very popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Novels such as Demon Lover and Cannibal bridegroom . Though in the Seventeenth century novels were belived to have served as precursors which produced romantic literature texts such as Hamlet by William Shakespear. which also contained superantural elements to help build strong views on religion to avoid those that were superstitous.

Gothic Literature is popular for its use of recurring themes, images and symbols. These motifs run throughout the novel and help build the storyline to a climax in which the main protagonist reaches a dramatic ending or unpredictable event.  

 Key characteristics from all Gothic novels originate from a fascination for the past (revenge seeking), occurences of the superantural, and magic. Plots are usually set through dramatic settings which represent  many emotions mainly fear and horror. 

Gothic literature gets its name from its simularities to the Gothic medieval cathedrals, which have many artisitc and royal features. The word 'Gothic' derives from 'Goth' the name of one barbaric Germanic tribes that invaded the Roman Empire. This is associated with savagery which is property that is untamed or ferocious.