Fig 1.7
Whereas, compared to diagram 1.6, diagram 1.7 emphasizes the importance and popularity of the fantasy genre as 36% of male and females find this a thrilling and fascinating read to entertain them. However, what is interesting is that classic has 13% of people reading these books. However it is not very specific about what kind of classical books that these people are reading. This is also the case for General Fiction, which has 17% where it is not specific enough to specify what kind of genre is entertaining and applicable for readers that are interesting for them.
However, unlike item 1.6 the horror genre and the Sci-Fi genre did not seem to make it on the list which indicates that at this time there were not popular enough for readers to find interest and enjoyment in reading these types of genres. Therefore, it is evident to say that in 2010 to 2011 there were some people who favored the fantasy genre more than the horror or Sci-Fi genre. Even though Sci-Fi and Horror are elements or sub-genres of the gothic novel it is losing its popularity in the 21st century which is suggestible with the statistics showing that some people prefer other genres opposed to horror/Sci-Fi.
Although, the biggest factor that contributes gothic literature to lose its popularity is because of the sub-genre horror films that win audiences over. For instance:
Fig 1.8
Item 1.8 demonstrates that the type of horror including vampires, zombies and werewolves have the highest percentage of 10% than any other category. This is important because for someone people they like horror when the movies involve 18-20th century characters which have been written been some of the greatest writers. Therefore the ‘monsters’ or villains are still as ...
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... subtle and not-so-subtle depictions of society and the truth that lurks in that society of that time. However, when compared to the 21st century, no form of reading is ever determined ‘dangerous’, arguably, for the young to read. As a civilized society we accept different forms of reading whether it is dark or an especially happy ending we have developed an open mind to consider whatever kind of literature to read. For those who are not interested in literature are encouraged to read the novels that the films have depicted. Either way, gothic literature is still immensely popular whether it is depicted in film, TV, music etc. there will always be a fascination with the art, architecture or history of gothic literature or the ‘gothic’ in general – children, teenagers, adults are fascinated with gothic literature in the different variations that appeals to them.
Gothic Literature was a natural progression from romanticism, which had existed in the 18th Century. Initially, such a ‘unique’ style of literature was met with a somewhat mixed response; although it was greeted with enthusiasm from members of the public, literary critics were much more dubious and sceptical.
Gothic literature, such as The Night Circus, “The Devil and Tom Walker”, “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment”, and “Masque of the Red Death”, are known for incorporating gothic elements such as the supernatural, death, and fascination with the past.
Romantic literature, as Kathy Prendergast further claims, highlighted things like splendor, greatness, vividness, expressiveness, intense feelings of passion, and stunning beauty. The Romantic literary genre favored “parts” over “whole” and “content” over “form”. The writer argues that though both the Romantic literary genre and the Gothic art mode were medieval in nature, they came to clash with what was called classical conventions. That’s why, preoccupations with such things as the supernatural, the awful, the dreadful, the repulsive and the grotesque were the exclusive focus of the nineteenth century Gothic novel. While some critics perceived the Gothic as a sub-genre of Romanticism, some others saw it as a genre in its own right (Prendergast).
One of the powerful images conjured up by the words ‘gothic novel’ is that of a shadowy form rising from a mysterious place, Frankenstein’s monster rising from a laboratory table, Dracula creeping from his coffin, or, more generally, the slow opening of a crypt to reveal a dark and obscure figure, which all share in common the concept of Social Ostracisation both to the creator and creature. Gothic writing can be dated back for centuries, Shelly immediately comes to mind with Frankenstein as well as The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis and Dracula by Bram Stoker all can be associated with Social Ostracisation. The concept of alienating one to refuge, dismissal, and pain are all themes in these novels.
Tibbetts, John C. The Gothic Imagination: Conversations on Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction in the Media. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. Print.
Throughout history, several intellectual and cultural movements have shaped the way that humanity thinks and, subsequently, the formation of our modern society as a whole. Perhaps one of the most remarkable of these movements is simply known as Gothicism. An offshoot of the movement known as Romanticism, the emergence of Gothicism introduced unconventional literary tropes for its time and it introduced many legendary novelists, poets, and storytellers whose works continue to inspire modern authors today.
According to figure 1.4 this explores how enjoyable the selected people have enjoyed reading the novels that they have come across. The responses range from ages like 21 to 63 who have read the ins and outs of these books and have come up with their own interpretation about the novels that some consider ‘Classic Gothic Lit’ and others consider not good like the short percentage of people who said that Hill’s The Woman in Black is not an enjoyable read as well as, The Monk. However, the largest percentage that people thought was an enjoyable read was Stoker’s Dracula alongside Shelley’s Frankenstein which are both considered such classic Gothic Literature whether or not people enjoy reading or not.
Gothic literature was developed during the eighteenth and nineteenth century of the Gothic era when war and controversy was too common. It received its name after the Gothic architecture that was becoming a popular trend in the construction of buildings. As the buildings of daunting castles and labyrinths began, so did the beginning foundation of Gothic literature. The construction of these buildings will later become an obsession with Gothic authors. For about 300 years before the Renaissance period, the construction of these castles and labyrinths continued, not only in England, but also in Gothic stories (Landau 2014). Many wars and controversies, such as the Industrial Revolution and Revolutionary War, were happening at this time, causing the Gothic literature to thrive (“Gothic Literature” 2011). People were looking for an escape from the real world and the thrill that Gothic literature offered was exactly what they needed. Gothic literature focuses on the horrors and the dark sides to the human brain, such as in Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein. Gothic literature today, as well as in the past, has been able to separate itself apart from other types of literature with its unique literary devices used to create fear and terror within the reader.
Word by word, gothic literature is bound to be an immaculate read. Examining this genre for what it is could be essential to understanding it. “Gothic” is relating to the extinct East Germanic language, people of which known as the Goths. “Literature” is defined as a written work, usually with lasting “artistic merit.” Together, gothic literature combines the use of horror, death, and sometimes romance. Edgar Allan Poe, often honored with being called the king of horror and gothic poetry, published “The Fall of House Usher” in September of 1839. This story, along with many other works produced by Poe, is a classic in gothic literature. In paragraph nine in this story, one of our main characters by the name of Roderick Usher,
Gothic literature is fiction body text that illustrates collection of more than one gothic antithesis in it, to produce the meaning of the text. Dracula is one of the best examples of gothic literature because it the originator of the vampire myth. And uses elements such as mysterious castles, stormy/dark sky, dark interiors, and most importantly the monster “Count Dracula.” Monsters are the most important aspects of the gothic theme because they are the ones who run and demonstrate the techniques that writers use to produce a moving psychological experience for the readers. And of course, bringing the fear of the monsters brings societies and cultures together for long periods of time.
Gothic Literature was a genre of writing created in the 1780's in order to give form to the impulses and fears of all mankind. It relied heavily upon the ideas of good and evil, and every emotion was symbolically externalized, either by nature, physical appearance, or crime, in order to establish a physical structure for the term evil. By the 19th century Romanticism began to appear, and slowly but dramatically changed Gothic literature forever.
The authors in all stories utilize the gothic elements: psychological issues, supernatural, and violence to give a reader an understanding of their unstable state, to create suspense and mystery, and to show a character’s true motives.
Gothic Literature consists of many romantic and dark themes that some parents find disturbing and unhealthy for their child to comprehend or understand. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, Gothic Literature first began to rise. The purpose of Gothic Literature is to promote horror and to place terror into the reader's mind. Therefore, most parents do not approve of their children reading these types of novels because they believe that it could have a negative effect on their child's life. Gothic Literature combines both horror and the age of Romanticism into one period. Parents object to their children reading Gothic Literature because they believe that it places
Gothic literature has greatly influenced today’s horror and suspense genres. Edgar Allan Poe wrote many short stories, most of which were filled with dark elements and a deep awareness for the capacity for evil. The Fall of the House of Usher is a key example of gothic literature through the use of grotesque characters, bizarre situations, and violent events. All of these elements come together and express dark impulses and emotion.
Gothic encompasses many genres of expression. Gothic artists speak out through the forms of literature, architecture, film, sculptures, paintings, and music. Many times, one genre of Gothic inspires another, creating fusing parallels between the two. In this way, each genre of Gothic rises to a more universal level, coalescing into the much broader understanding of Gothic. Gothic writers, such as Mary Shelley, influence Gothic music, as one sees in stylistic devices including diction, setting, and tone.