High Gothic 1789-1813

Question 1

1789

Answer 1

Storming of the Bastille, French revolution

Question 2

1793

Answer 2

Northanger Horrid Novels published by sensationalist Minerva Press, reflect the public desire for Gothic thrills

Question 3

1793-4

Answer 3

Reign of Terror (17,000+ guillotined)

Question 4

1794

Answer 4

Lewis’ The Monk details the downfall of Ambrosio from pious monk to murderer and rapist- bodily horror, introduces brutalisation of the Gothic heroine

Question 5

1797

Answer 5

Radcliffe’s The Italian portrays female characters as equal to male characters, terror not horror (in response to The Monk

Question 6

1798

Answer 6

Brown’s Weiland first American Gothic novel, religious fanaticism, sensationalist psychology

Question 7

1798

Answer 7

Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho advocates for traditional moral values, Byronic villain Signor Montoni, focus on inheritance

Question 8

OVERALL

Answer 8

• Religious anxiety and anti-Catholic sentiment
• Introduction of the ‘persecuted heroine’ as a defining trope, embodying virtue and innocence
• Physical horrors (e.g. ghosts) became more psychological (internal conflict, moral transgression)