Backstory of the Gothic

Question 1

What does gothic literature usually entail?

Answer 1

• discussions of morality
• philosophy, and religion,
• villains acting as metaphors for human temptation
• hero that must overcome the villain

Question 2

What are the tell tale signs of a gothic plotline?

Answer 2

• The battle between humanity and unnatural forces of evil (sometimes man-made, sometimes supernatural)
• oppressive, inescapable, and bleak landscape

Question 3

How do gothic novels differ from literary norms?

Answer 3

they emphasise sensationalism and imagination

Question 4

Why was the initial readership for the gothic female?

Answer 4

• Woman where restricted and often felt imprisoned in their own bodies.
• gothic novels were thrilling because they detailed oppressed women breaking free and doing unimaginable things
• the gothic shed a light on oppression towards women