The Gothic and the Supernatural

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The Gothic and the Supernatural

• A Thematic Approach to Selected Literary Works

NOTE This presentation owes most of its ideas,
content, notes and images to Prof. Shari Hodges
and her course on Gothic Literature offered by
the English Department, University of
Mississippi and to Franz Potters site on Gothic
Literature http//members.aol.com/franzpoet/intro
.html
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Gothic and Supernatural Motifs
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Gothic Literature

• Developed as a genre in 18th century
• The Bleeding Nun ?

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Gothic Literature

• Developed as a genre in 18th century
• Is devoted to tales of horror, the darker,
  supernatural forces
• English Gothic novel origin Horace Walpoles The
  Castle of Otranto (1764)

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Gothic Literature

• Derives its name from similarities to medieval
  Gothic architecture
• Also derives name from a barbaric Germanic tribe,
  the Goths

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Gothic Architecture

• Majestic, unrestrained architectural style
• Profusion of savage, often grotesque ornamentation

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Gothic Architecture

• Vaulting arches

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Gothic Architecture

• Vaulting arches

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Gothic Architecture

• More vaulting arches

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Gothic Architecture

• Vaulting arches
• Spires reaching to the heavens

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Gothic Architecture

• Vaulting arches
• Spires reaching to the heavens

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Gothic Architecture

• Vaulting arches
• Spires reaching to the heavens
• Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with
  supernatural forces

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Gothic Architecture

• Vaulting arches
• Spires reaching to the heavens
• Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with
  supernatural forces
• Adam and Eve with the serpent ?

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Gothic Architecture

• Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with
  supernatural forces
• Saints, Notre Dame,
• Paris ?

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Gothic Architecture

• Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with
  supernatural forces
• Saints, Notre Dame,
• Paris ?

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Gothic Architecture

• Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with
  supernatural forces
• Gargoyles, Notre Dame,
• Paris ?

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Gothic Architecture

• Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with
  supernatural forces

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Gothic Architecture

• Wild carvings depicting humanity in conflict with
  supernatural forces

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Gothic Literary Motifs
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The Doppelganger

• A second self or alternate identity
• Represents opposing forces in human nature
• Suggests humans have a double nature

Dracula and Jonathan in front of the mirror ?
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The Faust Motif Forbidden Knowledge or Power

• Hero attempts to control supernatural powers
• Ambition leads to fall

Dr. Faustus makes a deal with the Devil ?
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Monster/ Satanic Hero/ Fallen Man

• Fallen Hero becomes a Monster
• Or, confronts a monster who is his double
• Like Satan, he defies the rules of Gods universe

Frankensteins Monster ?
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Demons/ Devils/ Witches/ Angels

• Represent conflicting forces in the human soul
• Hero may be tempted by evil spirits
• Or, redeemed by good spirits

The Three Weird Sisters in Macbeth ?
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Magic Talismans

• Symbolize supernatural forces
• Or, forces in the heros personality

King Arthurs Sword Excalibur ?
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Dreams / Visions

• Reveal hidden truths of the unconscious mind

Dracula visits his victim as she sleeps ?
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Signs / Omens

• Reveal intention of cosmic forces
• Often represent psychological or spiritual
  conflict

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Graveyards / Churches / Ruins

• Suggest human confrontation with infinite forces

Whitby churchyard from Dracula ?
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Haunted Castle or House

• Reflects Heros Psychological character

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Multiple Narrative

• Series of secret manuscripts or multiple tales
• Narrative spirals inward to hidden truth
• Narrator compelled to speak to captive listener

The Ancient Mariner tells his tale ?
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Madness

• Reflects realities beyond rational comprehension
• Mad characters speak truths we wish to deny

The mad man compels passers-by to listen ?
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Blood

• Symbolizes paradox of human condition
• Represents life/death, guilt/innocence

The Vampires Feast Thwarted ?
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Other Motifs

• Murder
• Incest and sexual perversion
• Value reversals
• Mistaken/secret identities
• Dichotomies
• Innocence victimized by evil

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BOO!