What does the word Gothic mean to me? I have always associated it with deep dark emotional thoughts, dark clothing and make-up, and the occult. It's not joyful, colorful, or sunshine and puppies, a least that was my opinion.
However, what I have recently learned, is that there were actually tribes of Gothic people; Vandals, Ostrogoths and the Visigoth.
The Sack of Rome, by Alaric I.
Gothic also refers to a type of architectural design. You may have seen those building with the pointed roofs and the gargoyles sitting on the ledges and rooftops, those building are of Gothic design. However, in contrast to the Goth are the Neo-Classical designs which have a rounded rooftops and columns. Here are two pictures, one of each design.
The Dexter Mausoleum, at Spring Grove Cemetery and the Union Terminal Museum Center, both
structures are located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Each of these buildings are equally artistically beautiful, yet, the mausoleum has a creepy feel to it. Cincinnati has many Gothic buildings, which I have never truly acknowledged until now.
I was right about it being a sense of style. The dark dramatic make-up and clothing are greatly associated with the Gothic culture. Black is often the basic color but you will also see deep red, purples, blues and grays.
Although some of the people appear to be out on sunny days, their clothes are heavy and dark, not light, bright and colorful which is what makes it Goth. The make-up on both the men and women is very dramatic, not what you would expect to see in the middle of the day.
Goth is also a form of entertainment from music to movies. from haunted houses to literature. I don't know a lot about any of these forms of entertainment, but I do know of some. Bram Stroker's Darcula both a book and a movie. The Vampires Chronicles book produced two movies; Interview with the Vampire and The Queen of the Damned. I know that Stephen King was very popular in the 1990's with his books, often turned movie, but I am not a big fan of Goth or I should say that I never real gave it an opportunity.
Goth is not just one thing, it crosses into many arts and style, it is not right or wrong it simply is. I will admit that there was a time when I would look at certain people, things or ideas and think that is weird, but to each their own.
I will keep you posted as I become more enlighten regarding the literature of Goth.
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ReplyDeleteDrat. Sorry about that. My computer is being contrary. I like the graphic examples that you provide. I agree that the mausoleum is a good example of the creepiness of Gothic style, but the museum center is more art deco and optimistic. You make a good point about how the Gothic appears in many genres. Can you think of something that ties them all together so that when you look at something you would be able to say "Ah, that has Gothic influence!"?
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DeleteYes, the Union Terminal kept appearing in my Neo-Classical search, I did have my doubts, but thanks for letting me know.
Dana, Sorry I'm just now getting to comment on this! I really liked how you posted all of the definitions of Goth, it really shows the reader how much the term has changed over the years. The only thing that I would add is more of a description of the Gothic literary style;it possesses very creepy elements and it's characters are often engaged in some sort of dark passion. Overall I really enjoyed your post and am looking forward to reading more!
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