Mystery and Suspense in Gothic Novels - 758 Words

Gothic literature began and was very strong at the time of the Romantic Writers Movement. Gothic novels share common characteristics that contribute to the overall feeling of the novel. Most Gothic novels involve a setting that typically added mystery and suspense. The novel usually took place in a castle-like structure that was dark, scary, and isolated (Examine). In addition, the story enveloped omens or visions, supernatural or inexplicable events, overwrought emotion, women in distress, and a tyrannical male (Elements). Both Charlotte and Emily Bronte wrote gothic novels that used many of these characteristics, but their novels also transcended the boundaries of the genre. The novels Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre follow the gothic tradition in regards to setting, atmosphere, and supernatural events. However, both novels break from tradition in the matters of feminism and heroines. Both novels were influenced by gothic tradition because each novel incorporates characteristics s pecific to the gothic novels. The majority of Wuthering Heights takes place in the castle-like home of Wuthering Heights. It is damp, dark, and creepy which contributes to the overall gothic atmosphere of the novel. Just like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre’s two main settings are Lowood School and Thornfield Hall; both of these places are described as dark, damp, cold, and mysterious. These traditional gothic settings in both novels force the reader to imagine and feel the gothic atmosphere.Show MoreRelatedAshley Andreasen. Mrs. Schroder . Honors English Iv. 81000 Words   |  4 PagesHonors English IV 8 December 2016 Gothic Elements in Frankenstein A gothic novel is an English genre of fiction that was popular in the early 18th and 19th centuries that combines horror, mystery, and death in a seemingly meaningful setting. Frankenstein took place in continental Europe, specifically Switzerland and Germany, with other parts taking place in Arctic regions. The location/setting is just one characteristic that makes this a gothic novel. Gothic novels consist of various elements suchRead MoreJane Eyre by Emily Bronte747 Words   |  3 Pageswhat mystery, that broke out, now in fire and now in blood, at the deadest hours of the night? What creature was it, that masked an ordinary womans face and shape, uttered the voice, now of a mocking demon, and anon of a carrion-seeking bird of prey? (Brontà « 221). A brief synopsis of Charlotte Brontà «s novel, Jane Eyre, is present in this short quote, which describes the mystery that is present within the novel. As well as its gothic sensation, romance is present as well, giving the novel it s feminineRead MoreGothic Elements in Jane Eyre1465 Words   |  6 PagesGothic is a literary genre that is connected to the dark and horrific. It became popular in the late Victorian Era, following the success of Horace Walpoles The Castle of Otranto, in 1764. Since that time, gothic literature has become a widespread influence. Some elements that are typically gothic include ancient prophecies, mystery and suspense, supernatural events, dreams and visions, violence, and a gloomy and desolate setting. Charlotte Bronte, the author of Jane Eyre, was greatly influencedRead MoreThe Qualification of Daphne Du Mauriers Rebecca as a Gothic Novel851 Words   |  3 PagesRebecca as a Gothic Novel One of mankind’s most valuable gifts is the ability to feel emotions and be able to react to them in a variety of ways. One of these emotions can be recognized as horror. Horror can be directly related as an immense sensation of fear, anxiety, and despair. Horror is adored by some and abhorred by others. Most importantly, there exist many sources for frightening media and information. One genre of literature that tends to provide horror can be known as Gothic LiteratureRead More The Woman In White, by Wilkie Collins Essay1660 Words   |  7 PagesThe Woman In White, by Wilkie Collins, is a successful gothic novel of the 19th century. It is a 3-volume novel; each volume (epoch) finishing with the reader eagerly waiting to read the next one, therefore there are many unanswered questions, in or... The Woman In White, by Wilkie Collins, is a successful gothic novel of the 19th century. It is a 3-volume novel; each ‘volume’ (epoch) finishing with the reader eagerly waiting to read the next one, therefore there are many unansweredRead MoreGothic Elements In Gothic Literature1023 Words   |  5 PagesGothic Essay #1 Gothic literature’s roots are in the architecture of the dark ages. The buildings were made to intimidate oncoming enemies, because of this it presents the perfect setting for eerie literature such as the Horace Walpole’s Castle of Otranto. Whilst reading gothic literature fear is to be expected, because the nature of gothic is grim( Hutchins). Fear as we know is an emotion that is triggered by one of these three reactions: physical threats, sources of poison and signs of disease(â€Å"Psychology†)Read MoreCharlotte Bronte s Jane Eyre1228 Words   |  5 PagesCombining elements of mystery, gloom, romance, and suspense are the keys to a Gothic novel with a plot riddled in mystery and suspense, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is a novel that the term â€Å"gothic† could be applied to. You can find these elements in the setting, characters, and in numerous places in the plot of this novel. Thornfield Hall is the quintessential gothic castle. Most gothic novels settings include; a castle, ruined or intact, haunted or not. (The Gothic Experience 1). Thornfiled HallRead More The House of Seven Gables as a Gothic Novel Essay2774 Words   |  12 Pagesof Seven Gables as a Gothic Novel      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To be a paradigm of a Gothic novel, The House of Seven Gables needs to include many elements, all which center on the ideas of gloom, horror, and mystery. The action of a Gothic novel takes place in a run-down, abandoned or occupied, mansion or castle, which often include secret passages, doors, and compartments (Encarta). The mansion also adds its own flavor and variety to the atmosphere of mystery and suspense in the novel by providing a darkRead MoreReview of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay1515 Words   |  7 Pagesdramatic device, as each person withholds information from the story. This creates mystery at the start, then dramatic suspense and then dramatic irony, allowing a variety of emotions to be experienced by the reader. The novel begins with a series of letters which the Captain writes to his sister, Mrs Saville. The letters set the scene of the novel and also establish the mood, and create suspense. In letter IV, the first line, So strange an accident has happened to usRead MoreGothic Literature : The Black Cat1161 Words   |  5 PagesHave you ever heard of Gothic literature? Gothic literature, also known as Gothic fiction, is the genre of combined fiction, horror and Romanticism. Examples of Gothic literature are Frankenstein, The Castle of Otranto and Dracula. As well as these pieces, one of the famous pieces of Gothic literature is The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe. The Black Cat is the short story about the unnamed narrator in the jail who is about to die in the next day. From the young age, the narrator loves pets that when