gothic literature

castles

one of the gothics most recognizable and enduring features

supernatural

beings of events that do not fit in the logical sequence of our world (Ghosts, zombies)

Wild natures

remote and rugged landscapes often dangerous or foreboding the moors

The sublime

unconventional, dangerous and unstable natural settings cause characters to interest with nature and weather making them go outside themselves and experience sublimity

Metonymy

When one thing is used to stand in for another, often done with weather. Extreme weather or storm when a murder is about to happen- noises (howling

emotional intensity

emotional and psychological extremes rage, passion, madness, terror, lust powerful verbs, detailed description

confinement

characters are often contained, abducted or kept captive, weather often restricts character safety

the past

explores the haunting aspects of characters' backgrounds, depicting how their dark pasts affect their present.

Women in distress

female characters often face events that leave them fainting, terrified, screaming, and/or sobbing. Dominated by men

unnatural desires

the desire to commit crimes, such as murder, to the desire for supernatural powers or immortality

social upheaval

grotesque violence inspired by social upheavel (French Rev)

Doubles

shows split personality good v bad. similar house

uncanny

strange, mysterious, weird, beyond explanation

the hero-villain

a dangerous but fascinating character, evil but with a heroic potential, and fueled by powerful passions.

Click-clack the Rattlebas-Neil Gaiman

short story that revolves around a young boy and an adult who is presumably his babysitter. The boy, curious and slightly mischievous, asks the adult about the mysterious "rattle bag." As the story unfolds, the boy's questions lead to a chilling revelation about the nature of the rattle bag and what it contains. The narrative builds tension through the boy's playful yet sinister demeanor, ultimately culminating in a haunting twist that leaves the adult—and the reader—unsettled.

Click Clack Gothic elements

Supernatural elements and atmosphere/suspense

Down to a sunless sea

a haunting tale that follows a man who encounters a mysterious woman while exploring a seaside town. The story unfolds as the man becomes increasingly drawn to her, despite the unsettling atmosphere surrounding their interactions. As the narrative progresses, the man learns about the woman's tragic past and the dark secrets of the sea. The story culminates in a chilling revelation about the nature of her existence and the consequences of his fascination, leaving readers with a sense of melancholy and foreboding.
Main Gothic Elements