GOTHIC REVISED

     As discuss in an earlier blog posting, Goth/gothic can refer to many things. Gothic architecture is represented by the pointed roofs, windows and archway; the ornate detailing of the windows, archways, and gargoyles.

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Gothic fashion is represented with clothing that is reminiscent of centuries past mourning garb and make-up is intense and dramatic.


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Gothic movies directors like Tim Burton have created a long list of gothic films such as Sweeney Todd, Dark Shadow, and Alice in Wonderland to name a few.

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So far what we have observed are thing that are easily seen with the eye, the aesthetics. I would like to express my understanding of gothic literature. What separates a gothic novel from other novels? How to know when you are reading a Gothic literature?
Gothic literature is often recognized in the word choice. If the author makes a point of telling you that a building is decaying and not simply old, or if one is running down a dark path and knows not where it led, and not just running down the street or if things are happening that seem mystical or supernatural, such as ghost appearing, moving or aging pictures, then it is a gothic story.

There is always some type of deep emotion expressed: anger, sorrow, fear or shock, sometimes to the point of insanity. A woman is often threatened or oppressed by a man, who may hold her fate in his hands or have influence as to the outcome of her physical being. This power over women is usually used to obtain or maintain wealth or power, which helps develop the damsel in distress. All of these things are often represented in a Gothic novel, these are what give the novel it’s eerie, suspenseful, and mysterious feel and propels you forward or pushes you away. So the next time that you start reading a book look for think about the setting, is it creepy? Is there a damsel in distress? Are there unexplained events that seem supernatural? Thinking about these things can change your reading experience.

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