What is Gothic fiction and its characteristics?

What is Gothic fiction and its characteristics?

The Gothic novel is a genre associated with the mystery and intrigue surrounding the supernatural and the unknown. Characteristics of the Gothic include: death and decay, haunted homes/castles, family curses, madness, powerful love/romance, ghosts, and vampires.

How would you describe gothic fiction?

Definition of Gothic Fiction The term Gothic fiction refers to a style of writing that is characterized by elements of fear, horror, death, and gloom, as well as romantic elements, such as nature, individuality, and very high emotion. These emotions can include fear and suspense.

What types of characters would you find in gothic fiction?

Common Characters in Gothic Literature

  • Tyrants.
  • Villains.
  • Bandits.
  • Maniacs.
  • Byronic Heroes.
  • Persecuted Maidens.
  • Femmes Fatales.
  • Monks.

How do you write a Gothic description?

Tip 2: Use Metaphors to Add Depth The Gothic loves metaphors, and often uses imagery (such as ghosts, vampires) to convey a deeper meaning. That could be political, sexual, or emotional. Either way, metaphors, when done right, add a new level of terror in your story. Take Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

Why did Gothic literature start?

Gothic fiction began as a sophisticated joke. Horace Walpole first applied the word ‘Gothic’ to a novel in the subtitle – ‘A Gothic Story’ – of The Castle of Otranto, published in 1764. When he used the word it meant something like ‘barbarous’, as well as ‘deriving from the Middle Ages’.

What are the themes of Gothic literature?

This genre is dark, eerie, and mysterious, often containing elements of terror, horror, and the macabre and the bizarre. Common themes and motifs of the Gothic include power, confinement, and isolation.

What are gothic words?

Study the word list: Gothic vocabulary 1

horror He was struck dumb with horror.
eerie Deep in the forest the atmosphere was dark and eerie. *
luminous He painted using luminous paints. *
grotesque Grotesque can mean very ugly.
wailing The baby was crying and wailing loudly. *