Gothic Romanticis

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Gothic Romanticism Definition:

Dark romanticism which focuses on perceived darkness in the human soul and the embrace of sin and evil in the society. Origin

Began during social upheaval in England

Idealistic views of economic and political conditions contradicted realistic state of economy and politics

Elements of Gothic Romanticism

Ancestral Curse Anti-Catholicism Body snatching Cemetery Claustrophobia Devil Doppelganger Dreaming/Nightmares Entrapment/Imprisonment The Explained Supernatural Exorcism Grotesque

Elements of Gothic Romanticism

The Haunted House or castle Incubus/sucubus Mist Mystery Necromancy The Pursued Protagonist Revenge Solopsism Somnambulism The Sublime Superstition Transformation/Metamorphosis Unreliable Narrator

Gothic Romantic Architecture

Derived from the barbaric, German tribe….Goths Majestic, unrestrained architectural style Excess of savage, often grotesque ornamentation Vaulting arches with spires reaching to the heavens Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict

with supernatural forces

Romanticism turns Gothic Interest in the inner workings of the human mind (psyche)

Belief that contemplation of the natural world is means of discovering the truth that lies behind mere reality

Imagination is part of contemplation of natural world Reveals that failure happens when one plans everything

and leaves nothing to chance Supernatural happenings/occurances and natural facts are

symbols of spiritual facts which emphasizes the tragic dimensions of life

Awe at human nature, human struggles, suffering, mortality, humanity’s relationship to God

Emphasis on mystery Belief in reality of Evil Appeal/address innate(inborn) and derived(experience

produced) fears

Romantic Motifs Haunted House/Castle

Reflects hero’s psychological character Madness

Reflects realities beyond rational comprehension Mad characters speak truths we wish to deny

Blood Symbolizes paradox of human condition Represents life/death and guilt/innocence

American Gothic Developed from Puritan thought, yet has a mystical,

melancholy twist Original Sin Innate Depravity

Edgar Allan Poe Deals with the mystical realm and a derangement of the

senses

Nathaniel Hawthorne Deals with the psychological effects of sin

Herman Melville Deals with the archetypal conflict between good and evil