Unit #3 Romantic and Gothic Literature

Romanticism

A movement away from thinking and reasoning, instead the writing focuses on feelings and gut instincts.

Romanticism The writing of this time period was typically haunting short fiction and the “romance” novel.

Romantic Characteristics

Spiritual elements are always present

(God, Devil, etc.)

Romantic Characteristics

Supernatural is present

Romantic CharacteristicsMoney corrupts

Institutions are evil. i.e. banks, schools, etc.

If you are rich and powerful, then you had to do something bad to get there.

Romantic Characteristics

It is either good or evil.

No gray area.

Washington IrvingThe first internationally famous American author.

Took a lot of folktales from around the world and adapted them so that they were “American.”

Washington Irving

Pseudonym – a false name, or a pen name.

Washington Irving had several of them.

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Diedrick KnickerbockerGeoffrey CrayonJohnathon Oldstyle

Rip Van WinkleHe wrote:Rip Van Winkle – the story of a man who falls asleep for 20 years and wakes up after the American Revolution.

The Devil and Tom WalkerHe wrote: The Devil and Tom WalkerFaust Legend – a story in which a character sells their soul for earthy benefit.

He Wrote: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – The tale of the headless horseman.

A book about Captain Ahab’s quest to destroy the white sperm whale that took his leg.

Author of Moby Dick (1850)

Moby DickIt’s about more than just a

whale.It is controversial because of Ahab’s war against God

and issues of homosexuality and sex in

general.

Gothic Literature

Gothic Literature Characteristics

Remote and desolate settings

I like Castles.

Gothic Literature Characteristics

Characters are in either physical or psychological pain.

If I won the lottery, I’d buy

this castle.

Gothic Literature Characteristics

Violent acts occur

This castle is in New York.

My wife doesn’t know it yet, but we are going to visit it someday. If I have to, I’ll convince Jacie it is a good idea, then we’ll have to go.

Edgar Alan Poe

Wrote about altered mental states and the dark side of human nature.

Edgar Alan Poe

The inventor of the detective story.

Edgar Alan Poe

Wrote numerous psychological thrillers.

Edgar Alan Poe

Poe believed that short stories should work to create a certain unique or “single effect.”

Edgar Alan Poe

Single effect – Every character, incident, and detail works to create one unique effect in a story.

I wouldn’t buy a castle that looks this depressing, unless I got a great deal.

Did You Know???Al Gore created the internet so he could look at

castles anytime he wanted?

You cannot possibly understand how badly I want to live in this castle.