What is Gothic?
Dark and brooding literature with elements of horror, death, decay, and the supernatural.
Embracing the Dark: An Exploration of Gothic Literature
Gothic literature is a genre of storytelling that emerged in the 18th century and continues to influence writers today.
Defined by its dark, brooding atmosphere, Gothic literature often features death, decay, and the supernatural, creating an ominous sense of foreboding. Writers in this genre typically explore themes of isolation, madness, and obsession, using language in a poetic and often melodramatic way.
The term 'Gothic' originally referred to architecture and was used to describe medieval buildings with pointed arches, flying buttresses, and other ornate features. Gothic literature borrowed elements from this architectural style, evoking a sense of mystery, grandeur, and gloom.
Some of the most famous Gothic literature includes Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Edgar Allan Poe's works.
Gothic literature continues to be popular among readers and writers alike because of its ability to explore the darkest aspects of human nature and the supernatural, as well as its emphasis on language and mood.
Here are two examples of how the Gothic genre has been implemented in literature.
Poe's Gothic classic tells the story of a man who visits the home of his ailing childhood friend and becomes increasingly disturbed by the strange happenings and eerie atmosphere of the house.
This modern-day Gothic novel centers around the intense and dangerous love affair between a teenage girl and a vampire, exploring themes of mortality, power, and obsession.