Gothic literature dates between the 12th and 16th centuries. It is displayed in sculptures, writings, and architecture. The literature is mainly found in Western and Central Europe. It is unique, having evolved from the Romanesque era. Gothic literature has very unique characteristics that can be traced in novels, plays, poetry, and epics. Some of the notable gothic writers include Edgar Allan Poe, Ann Radcliffe, Mary Shelley, and Bram Stoker, among others. Among the literature that defines Gothic writing include Dracula by Bram Stoker, written in 1897 and Frankenstein, released in 1818 by Mary Shelley.
Each era has unique features that dominate its literature. Gothic literature essays should capture and explore dominant characters, settings, storylines, and themes. Here are the unnoticeable ideas that run through Gothic literature that will shape your essay.
- The Supernatural
The Gothic era witnessed extensive exploration and discoveries. Science, religion, and industry were transformed as people gained the courage to experiment and explore. Order a paper from mycustomwriting.com to capture these themes and save the endless hours you would have to spend researching the topic.
The supernatural theme arose as people began to question the idea of God. While some distanced themselves from the concept, others drew closer to religion. The divide gave birth to the ideas of decay, death, and ghosts. The supernatural being became a center of both unity and disagreement. Literature started exploring the ideas of curses and madness as they were used to explain the fate that befell those who departed from religion.
Mary Shelley is one example of a Gothic writer who captures the theme of fear. While people want to remain within their comfort zones, the human spirit was driving them to explore nations beyond. Hers was a story of creating a being that one could no longer control. It probably predicted present day AI and robot technology that could get out of hand by having a mind of its own.
- Madness
The unexplainable forces that dominated Gothic literature are also linked to madness. There are strange and troubling events associated with supernatural powers because there is no logical explanation. The madness is depicted by characters who hear strange noises and laughter coming from disserted houses. In other cases, mad people can hear voices that sane people cannot.
Fire is central in Gothic literature as it explains madness. The fire breaks out at night when everyone is presumed asleep. The only logical explanation is linking the fire to the spirits of dead family members or people avenging wrongdoings by how owners. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte captures madness perfectly when Mr. Rochester’s wife goes insane and begins to live in the attic. The family has to find an explanation and solution.
- Gloomy Decaying Setting
The architecture that defines the Gothic era features castles and dark mansions. Gothic writers capture the fear that dominates these houses in their setting. Most of the stories and events are set in dark or abandoned castles.
The events in Gothic literature happen in dark passages hidden inside normal castles. Demons lead people into trap doors while mysterious architectural inclusions in castles become the home of supernatural powers. A person could walk into a dark corner only to discover a door that leads to a mysterious hallway. Such settings provide the perfect environment for supernatural activities. People who have lived in such places and have never seen strange doors cannot believe the victim. The knowledge of the mystery of haunted houses isolates a person to the point of him being referred to as mad. Such settings are perfect breeding grounds for zombies, vampires, and ghosts that dominate gothic literature.
- Romance
Despite the gloomy feeling in gothic literature, romance remains at the center of the stories. It is especially prominent where kings or nobles are required to avoid relationships with particular people. Tragedy strikes when such directions are ignored.
The Castle of Otranto is one perfect story of romance, curses, and mystery. Horace Walpole tells the story of Lord Manfred, whose son dies on his wedding day because of the curse. Before the death, the romance between the son and the would-be wife was prohibited. Such stories add to the mystery of romance in Gothic literature.
A good gothic essay should capture the main elements of literature at the time. Madness, mystery, romance, and a gloomy setting, are some of the prominent themes. Hire a professional writer to craft the most captivating gothic essay to guarantee the best grade.
