The Gothic and the Supernatural

A Thematic Approach to Selected Literary Works

NOTE: This presentation owes most of its ideas, content, notes and images to Prof. Shari Hodges and her course on Gothic Literature offered by the English Department, University of Mississippi; and to Franz Potter’s site on Gothic Literature: http://members.aol.com/franzpoet/intro.html

NOTE: This presentation owes most of its ideas, content, notes and images to Prof. Shari Hodges and her course on Gothic Literature offered by the English Department, University of Mississippi; and to Franz Potter’s site on Gothic Literature: http://members.aol.com/franzpoet/intro.html

Gothic and Supernatural Motifs

Gothic Literature Developed as a genre

in 18th century

‘The Bleeding Nun’

Gothic Literature Developed as a genre

in 18th century Is devoted to tales of

horror, the darker, supernatural forces

English Gothic novel origin: Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto (1764)

Gothic Literature Derives its name from

similarities to medieval Gothic architecture

Also derives name from a barbaric Germanic tribe, the Goths

Gothic Architecture Majestic, unrestrained

architectural style Profusion of savage,

often grotesque ornamentation

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches

Gothic Architecture More vaulting arches

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the

heavens

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the

heavens

Gothic Architecture Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the

heavens Wild carvings

depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Gothic Architecture

Vaulting arches Spires reaching to the

heavens Wild carvings

depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Adam and Eve with the serpent

Gothic Architecture

Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Saints, Notre Dame,

Paris

Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Saints, Notre Dame,

Paris

Gothic Architecture

Gothic Architecture Wild carvings

depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Gargoyles, Notre Dame,

Paris

Gothic Architecture Wild carvings

depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Gothic Architecture

Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with supernatural forces

Gothic Literary Motifs

The Doppelganger A second self or

alternate identity Represents opposing

forces in human nature

Suggests humans have a double nature

Dracula and Jonathan in front of the mirror

The Faust Motif: Forbidden Knowledge or Power Hero attempts

to control supernatural powers

Ambition leads to fall

Dr. Faustus makes a deal with the Devil

Monster/ Satanic Hero/ Fallen Man

Fallen Hero becomes a Monster

Or, confronts a monster who is his double

Like Satan, he defies the rules of God’s universe

Frankenstein’s Monster

Demons/ Devils/ Witches/ Angels

Represent conflicting forces in the human soul

Hero may be tempted by evil spirits

Or, redeemed by good spirits

The Three Weird Sisters in Macbeth

Magic Talismans

Symbolize supernatural forces

Or, forces in the hero’s personality

King Arthur’s Sword “Excalibur”

Dreams / Visions

Reveal hidden truths of the unconscious mind

Dracula visits his victim as she sleeps

Signs / Omens

Reveal intention of cosmic forces

Often represent psychological or spiritual conflict

Graveyards / Churches / Ruins

Suggest human confrontation with infinite forces

Whitby churchyard from Dracula

Haunted Castle or House

Reflects Hero’s Psychological character

Multiple Narrative Series of secret

manuscripts or multiple tales

Narrative spirals inward to hidden truth

Narrator compelled to speak to captive listener

The Ancient Mariner tells his tale

Madness

Reflects realities beyond rational comprehension

Mad characters speak truths we wish to deny

The mad man compels passers-by to listen

Blood

Symbolizes paradox of human condition

Represents life/death, guilt/innocence

The Vampire’s Feast Thwarted

Other Motifs

Murder Incest and sexual perversion Value reversals Mistaken/secret identities Dichotomies Innocence victimized by evil

BOO!