Other Aspects Of Gothic Literature

Gothic Women

Gothic women in the early years were portrayed as weak, vulnderable and were often objects and controlled by men. They were often placed as negative in society as they were corrupted by male power.  

   Where as women in modern gothic literature are presented as more sexual, agressive amongst a male dominated society. There are two catorgories of  women in modern gothic literature. The first is seductive and threatening, theses women tend to be more premiscuous as well as independant. The second type is submissive, these tend to be more humble, lack self confidence and obidient.

Male Gothic Protagonists

The male gothic protagonist is often driven by slefish needs and desires, they turn away from the norms of society, in this way they feel more socially acccepted as they usually work independantly. Their actions and characteristics move the story along and determine the overall outcome of the gothic novel. 

Examples of popular Gothic protagonists.

• Frankenstein- A classic tale of a man-made monster who seeks acceptance from society, despite his unusual apperance and strange upbringing.

• Dracular- A young English lawyer who travels to the Castle of Dracular, to complete a real estate transaction with a nobleman named Count Dracular. The young English man is warned about the destination. He is given charms to work against evil and uttering strange words that is later translated into 'vampire'.

Gothic Settings

It was first found in Sweeden the use of Gothic architecture, Gothic novels were mainly set in deep dark places inwhich buildings were begining to decay. Settings were mainly in Castles which were mysterious, dark and secretive in which the superantural would come to life as well as being set in Graveyard, Churches etc. Castles were mainly used to create a specific mood and atmosphere this cretaed tight intensity between the characters as well as the audience. These mysterious places unraveled the fear of the unknown. 

   Settings were often associated with medieval buildings, they saw them as dark and terrifying as it reflected the times of harsh laws, tourture which had fascinating rituals.

  

Gothic Novels, Short Stories and Poems  

Gothic novels are strongly associated with Catholicism. As characters are introduced they are immediately presented from a religious background. The characters flaws are directly associated with their Catholic beliefs from the readers view.  Many of these novels are Ironic as they underline the message of humanity.

 These are present in novels such as:

• The Castle of Otranto- This short novel, shows the negativity of Catholicism through the character Friar Jerome. Many sinful events take place, For example Manfred, the lord of the Castle of Otranto, wants to divorce his wife so that he can marry the young and beautiful Isabella. Divorce is highly looked down upon in Catholicism.

•  The Monk- This is one of the most anti-Catholic characters in gothic literature.Ambrosio, a monk who falls into sin with Matilda, when her true identity is revealed. The thought of suicide is ingrained in her if she cannot have his love (already we see lust and suicide which are major sins in Catholicism) which leads to his own downfall.

• Zeluco- The novel shows the animosity between Protestants and Catholics. A Sicillian Catholic, who lacks morals and is only interested in himself. He leaves Countess Brunella's niece after impregating her. His first wife dies of a broken spirit once he marries her for her money. Once again this goes against all the beliefs of the Catholic faith.