Whilst the attraction of luxuriating in the dark side of the human condition is undeniably strong in Gothic texts it must also be acknowledged that Gothic texts provide considerable insights into humanity. Discuss the above with reference to one prose core text and one related text of your own choosing. Gothic texts encompass the ability to convey the fear that underpins the human psyche in many contexts, with particular relevance to societal concerns and anxieties. Although concerns vary throughout different time periods, those confronted within texts often consist of universal themes and ideas that can be translated through different generations. Brahm Stoker’s “Dracula” highlights concerns prevalent within the Victorian era, shown through characters, symbols and themes throughout the novel.
The settings presented are also dark and eeire, and Dracula himself lives in solitude with no other companion. The film adaptation of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ is just as reliant on the conventions of Gothic fiction (a genre that was extremely popular in the early nineteenth century when the book was written) as the novel, making it not only follow nicely in the novel’s footsteps but also proving to be a chilling delight for the viewing audience. Gothic fiction traditionally includes elements such as wild landscapes, eerie castles, darkness, and decay, isolation, security, the supernatural and innocent maidens threatened by unspeakable evil. Stoker has utilized all of the above and consequently, as does this film adaptation. An example of this would be in the theme of isolation as Dracula’s castle is hidden in the recesses of Transylvania, kept away from civilization of any description.
Judith Halberstam’s 1995, Skin Shows: Gothic Horror and the Technology of Monsters novel includes a chapter entitled, “Making Monsters: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” In this chapter Halberstam rethink’s Gothic horror in the sense of Frankenstein’s and the Monster’s motives and roles in Mary Shelley’s novel. Halberstam breaks down the chapter in six different sub-sections: “Monster Making,” “Monstrous Forms,” “Visual Horror and Narrative,” “Sexual Horror and Narrative,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Gothic Realism” (Halberstam 28-52). Theses six sub-sections have a similar theme. Halberstam tries to define the true meaning of monstrosity. She does this by dissecting the humanistic view of a monster and what kind of characteristics a creature needs to posses in order to be defined as a monster.
Mary Shelley’s gothic novel ‘Frankenstein, and Ridley Scott’s noir film ‘Blade Runner’ explore similar issues in complete different settings. On the surface these texts seem vastly different because of the large gap in time setting but in hindsight the audience is able to recognize that despite the difference in context both texts present the same problems regarding changing values and ethics in society and the role of playing-God in the characters of Victor Frankenstein and Tyrell. One of the aspects that Mary Shelley’s novel ‘Frankenstein’ explores is the concept of hubris in the main character Victor Frankenstein; hubris can be defined as excessive pride, self-confidence and defiance towards God that ultimately leads to the demise of the individual. This is shown through
Washington Irving is identified with the gothic with his “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, however the gothic mode can also be identified in his story, “Rip Van Winkle”. To begin, both will be compared with their use of the Gothic Mode. Edgar Allan Poe’s writing set the mold for most gothic literature to follow. From “The Raven” to “The Tell-Tale Heart” his writing sets the reader on edge and fills them with unease. “Its style tends to be ornate, unnatural” (Carter 134).
For a novel to be considered gothic, it must contain certain elements; Dracula reflects many of these unique principles. The setting largely affects the gothic feel of the novel. The medieval castle, the literally dark location, and the gloomy and suspenseful atmosphere, which are all utilized in the novel, are examples of a gothic setting. In his journal, Jonathan Harker described Count Dracula’s castle as he approached it: “...in the courtyard of a vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky” (Stoker 22). This quote shows the medieval castle aspect almost always found in the gothic novel type, but also even begins to set up the dark, gloomy, and uneasy atmosphere that is so important in this kind of literature.
In a gothic novel there are elements of horror, mystery and suspense. The gothic elements found in Frankenstein come from the ugliness as well as killings and death. There are other examples of a gothic novel such as remorse and sadness. The atmosphere in a novel gives another element of being gothic. The novel Frankenstein contains many of these gothic elements like the atmosphere, ugliness, killings, sadness and remorse.
I will analyze the author's title and expain the relationship between the title and the novel. I will also discuss the effect of the title on the reader. -The name "Frankenstein" is often used to refer to the monster itself. Frankenstein is a well established title because it gives a hint of the theme. In the novel, the monster is identified by words such as "creature," "monster", "fiend", "wretch", "vile insect","being", and "it", but speaking to Dr. Frankenstein, the monster refers to himself as "the Adam of your labors", and elsewhere as someone who "would have" been "your Adam", but is instead your "fallen angel."
The replicants are artificial, the memories are artificial. Technology has well and truly taken over. Akin to Frankenstein, Blade Runner acts as a severe warning to the depressing future we may have if we try to push advances of science and technology further and further beyond the limit. As before mentioned, it is the hubris of the protagonists in each text that causes the highest diminution of humanity. In both texts, both protagonists seek earnestly to become God-like by taking on the role of creator, Frankenstein with the monster, and Tyrell with the replicants.
Gothic Elements in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde After reading the whole gothic literatures in this semester, I find The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde gives me the most impression. Since I was young, the only kinds of book that can make me feel interested in are gothic type of fiction. Gothic writing tends to be very dark, focus on the evil side of human nature, have supernatural and unexplained elements to it; for example, the mysterious setting and the suspicious events. These elements make me can’t help myself but be immersed in the book. After reading The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I found three elements that impressed me the most: the atmosphere of mystery and horror, the unbelievable event of doubling in that century, and the disappearance of hope.