What Exactly is Gothic Literature?
There are a few images that might come to your mind when you first think of Gothic Literature. Perhaps you envision a dark, gloomy setting with towering buildings set in the Victorian-era. Maybe your first thought is of Dracula or the Monster. Or, you picture the theme of madness and the paranormal that appears to be present in many Gothic works. Well, you’d be correct in your observations, as these (and more!) are all elements of the genre. However, the meanings presented within these works dive deeper than what one may observe upon first glance.
As a whole, Gothic literature contains fictional works that are largely defined by its inclusion of horror, suspense, mystery, and many times, paranormal elements. Oftentimes, the main characters of these stories are marginalized in some way, which can relate to individuals who experience similar circumstances, or specifically to individuals with mental health struggles. In this, data works to depict the genre’s popularity with adolescents, showing that with the gained ability to grapple with the societal other, this age group retained meaningful knowledge that allowed them to grow both socially and personally.[1] More on the benefits of this genre for individuals and students alike will be examined further within this blog.
A core aspect of Gothic lit is in its ability to present the theme of madness and allow for historically-closed doors to be opened through its art. Specifically, the genre works to emphasize the “voices of madness” and bring truth to experiences of those that have been within asylums, showing just one example of how the genre brought social issues of the period to light.[2] The genre has not only brought about beloved pieces of media like Frankenstein and Dracula, but has also tirelessly worked to articulate the perceived threat of madness. It allows for the reader to see that, in reality, the genre subverts the perspective of the mental asylum and presents the truth of their silence and experiences.[2]
The genre also works to showcase the essence of escapism not only within the reader, but the characters’ stories they follow, as well. Within an article touching upon this topic and its impact on the reader, the author explains how the genre sheds light onto the eighteenth-century “cult of sensibility” that is largely driven by the urge to escape from the anxieties and emptiness of reality, then seeking the desired intensity and passion through outside sources and fleeting thoughts.[3] Literary greats of the genre such as Ann Radcliffe and Horace Walpole embrace this particular view of the Gothic, instilling this search for distraction and escape.
Now that we’ve examined some of the core elements of Gothic lit, let’s discuss various examples of its impact on individuals and those within academic environments.
What is its Impact?
One main point to make about the genre in reference to students is in its ability to grab their attention. Many of the novels that students gravitate towards within classrooms have common themes like the extremes of human endurance, compassion, suffering, and foresight, subjects that are often covered within the Gothic genre.[4] An article examining this subject found that within an 8th-grade class, the teacher would allow students to pick their own books, and the first ones to disappear off the shelf were suspense and mystery genres. In this observation, the teacher explains how getting the students interested in reading is the first challenge that usually has to be overcome, but when they are already engaged with these genres that are “watered-down” forms of Gothic lit, then half the battle is won.[4] In allowing students to showcase their own interests in reading, teachers are then able to accommodate these aspects within their curriculums and increase reading engagement, overall.
Relative to students/adolescents’ interests, particular themes presented within Gothic lit can instill a sense of relatability, especially within this specific time of their lives. By recognizing the duality of the characteristics inherent to the genre and adolescents’ experiences, teachers are able to then encourage this link and foster a positive experience for students.[4] Specifically, the genre examines themes attributed to struggles with identity as well as the various stages of moral development.[4] With these aspects, students can gather a more detailed perspective of not only themselves, but also in the world around them and their peers.
By examining this genre within the classroom, teachers have been able to observe the shared reading experiences and overall discourse that occurs in discussing the texts. As a professor details their experience with such, he found that much of the discussions surrounded the general, commonly observed aspects of the Gothic, like “…shifting subjectivity, confrontations with authority, ambivalence, confusion, even fear…”[5] Through these discussions, the students were able to have an engaging experience in expressing their thoughts and interpretations of various pieces, where the professor details how they felt liberated in the self-reflection that occurred as a result of the “transgression” he felt was inherent in the genre.[5] While this “transgression” may seem as a negative at first glance, the genre instead works to go against the norms of traditional writing and bring out this sense of liberation and escapism in the exploration of its intensity.
Altogether, the key elements of Gothic lit and the detailed experiences of the genre show how impactful its stories are and can be, both in and out of the classroom. While many of these examples showed classroom experiences, those outside of such can enjoy and gain just as much from the genre, where its many themes show the versatility and sometimes relatability that it can have with the reader. The genre also works to create a sense of personal history, intricately detailing the character’s lives and how they so closely represent themes presented within the Victorian-era time period.[3] So, why not give Gothic lit a try? You just might discover your new favorite genre like I did!
How Does PSG Fit In?
Here at Publishing Solutions Group, we recognize the significance in representing diverse literary genres and the unique values they bring to all readers. Among these, Gothic literature provides a rich experience for its readers, containing intricate themes, complex characters, and evocative storytelling. We value the powerful vehicle Gothic literature serves in exploring the human condition, societal fears, and bringing to light timeless moral questions. Its concepts go beyond the eerie and macabre elements presented throughout.
To honor the depth of this genre and its impact, we work closely with clients to ensure that their works capture and convey such essential elements. As a team, we are committed to refining manuscripts so they can resonate with audiences and reflect the genre’s complex aesthetic and thematic elements. In our years of prolific experience, we accomplish this through meticulous editing, communication, and design to help bring Gothic works to life in a way that is readable, compelling, polished, and accessible to readers alike.
Regardless of the work being a modern reimagining of a classic Gothic tale, or an original piece inspired by Gothic literature traditions, Publishing Solutions Group is dedicated to helping our clients achieve stories that captivate and inspire their readers. Not only do we publish works, but we amplify the values and traditions that make them indelible.
[1] http://www.jstor.org/stable/26631638
[2] http://www.jstor.org/stable/26631638
[3] https://doi.org/10.1353/elh.1995.0033
[4] https://doi.org/10.2307/820110
[5] https://read.dukeupress.edu/pedagogy/article-abstract/8/1/170/20605/Learning-to-Transgress-Embedded-Pedagogies-of-the?redirectedFrom=fulltext
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