Definitions and Features

Relating to the Goths or their extinct language

Provides the earliest manuscript of any German language

Style of architecture prevalent in Western Europe

Pointed arches, rib vaults, flying buttresses, large windows and elaborate tracery

Belonging to Dark Ages

Portentously gloomy or horrifying

Traditional Gothic Features

• Virgin

• Vivid and meaningful use of colour → black, red and white

• Isolated setting

• Use of sense

• Symbolic flowers

• Sadomasochism → derive pleasure from inflicting pain on others or self

• Aristocracy

• Sublime

• Opulence

• Mysterious older person

• 1st person narrative

• Houses, castles, ancestors, sidekicks, housekeepers, foreigners/foreignness

• Enchantment/intoxication

• Wealth

• Animals (usually predatory)

• Decay

• Holy/religion

Modern Gothic Features

• Female heroine

• Independent women and developed female characters

• Entire story not set in isolation

• Graphic sex

• Technology

• Modern weapons