The gothic novel was invented almost single-handedly by Horace
Walpole,
whose
The Castle of Otranto (1764) contains
essentially all the
elements that constitute the genre. Walpole's novel was imitated not
only
in the eighteenth century and not only in the novel form, but it has
influenced
the novel, the short story, poetry, and even film making up to the
present day.
Gothic elements include the following:
1. Setting in a castle. The action takes place in
and around an
old castle, sometimes seemingly abandoned, sometimes occupied. The
castle
often contains secret passages, trap doors, secret rooms, dark or
hidden
staircases, and possibly ruined sections. The castle may be near or
connected
to caves, which lend their own haunting flavor with their branchings,
claustrophobia,
and mystery. (Translated into modern filmmaking, the setting might be
in
an old house or mansion--or even a new house--where unusual camera
angles,
sustained close ups during movement, and darkness or shadows create the
same sense of claustrophobia and entrapment.)
2. An atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
The work is pervaded
by a threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown. Often the
plot
itself is built around a mystery, such as unknown parentage, a
disappearance,
or some other inexplicable event. Elements 3, 4, and 5 below contribute
to this atmosphere. (Again, in modern filmmaking, the inexplicable
events
are often murders.)
3. An ancient prophecy is connected with
the castle or its inhabitants
(either former or present). The prophecy is usually obscure, partial,
or
confusing. "What could it mean?" In more watered down modern examples,
this may amount to merely a legend: "It's said that the ghost of old
man
Krebs still wanders these halls."
4. Omens, portents, visions. A character
may have a disturbing
dream vision, or some phenomenon may be seen as a portent of coming
events.
For example, if the statue of the lord of the manor falls over, it may
portend his death. In modern fiction, a character might see something
(a
shadowy figure stabbing another shadowy figure) and think that it was a
dream. This might be thought of as an "imitation vision."
5. Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events.
Dramatic, amazing
events occur, such as ghosts or giants walking, or inanimate objects
(such
as a suit of armor or painting) coming to life. In some works, the
events
are ultimately given a natural explanation, while in others the events
are truly supernatural.
6. High, even overwrought emotion. The
narration may be highly
sentimental, and the characters are often overcome by anger, sorrow,
surprise,
and especially, terror. Characters suffer from raw nerves and a feeling
of impending doom. Crying and emotional speeches are frequent.
Breathlessness
and panic are common. In the filmed gothic, screaming is common.
7. Women in distress. As an appeal to the
pathos and sympathy
of the reader, the female characters often face events that leave them
fainting, terrified, screaming, and/or sobbing. A lonely, pensive, and
oppressed heroine is often the central figure of the novel, so her
sufferings
are even more pronounced and the focus of attention. The women suffer
all
the more because they are often abandoned, left alone (either on
purpose
or by accident), and have no protector at times.
8. Women threatened by a powerful, impulsive,
tyrannical male.
One or more male characters has the power, as king, lord of the manor,
father, or guardian, to demand that one or more of the female
characters
do something intolerable. The woman may be commanded to marry someone
she
does not love (it may even be the powerful male himself), or commit a
crime.
