The earliest example of Gothic literature in history was Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto. Once it was published in 1764, Wadpole made the claim that his story was true and was from a medieval manuscript that had been found and translated. After hearing this, The Castle of Otranto‘s popularity grew and many rushed to read the mysterious book that was written so long ago in the Middle Ages. However, Wadpole later admitted that he had lied about the origins of The Castle of Otranto. In fact, he had made it all up. Despite Wadpole’s misleading actions, he had unknowingly founded the historic Gothic genre.
Signature Gothic elements such as “the subterranean secret, the gloomy castle, and the mysterious ghostly sightings” were first discovered in The Castle of Otranto. Many Gothic works utilize these same elements, as the Middle Ages was a strong inspiration behind the genre. Crumbling castles, cathedrals, and similar medieval ruins are typically a main focal point. Additionally, the common themes of philosophy, morality, society, religion, and symbolism are key aspects of the genre.
Gothic literature enjoys blending realism with fantasy by placing realistic characters into unreal, even supernatural settings. The struggle of the main character against the villain is one that is often metaphorical. To further expand, the antagonists are quite complex and can be likened more to anti-heroes rather than outright villains. They are usually portrayed as flawed individuals who have been exiled from society and suffer from loneliness or isolation. Because the psychology behind these characters is not black and white, reading about them is an intriguing, thought-provoking experience.
Today, Gothic literature has evolved into many varying subgenres. An example is Southern Gothic which takes place in the countryside, includes plantations or farms, and incorporates Southern aspects. There is also Romantic Gothic and Victorian Gothic, which are heavily influenced by the Romantic literary movement. One could say they are the closest to the fundamental core of Gothic literature. In contrast, there is American Gothic and Modern Gothic, which have been adapted to fit modern standards. They do not take place in castles, but rather in haunted houses, apartments, or 21st-century cities.
Below are several books that are excellent introductions to the Gothic genre.
THE STRANGE CASE OF DOCTOR JEKYLL & MR. HYDE
by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a classic example of Gothic fiction, offering “an intriguing combination of fantasy thriller and moral allegory.” It features the chilling story of a talented chemist, Dr. Jekyll, and how his experimentation with human nature’s fascinating duality goes too far. Robert Louis Stevenson was accordingly inspired to write this novella after experiencing a vivid nightmare, which he described as “a fine bogey tale.” Truly a masterful writer, he perfectly captures the eerie mystery and suspense of classic Gothic literature. Additionally, he uses his work to challenge the struggle of good versus evil as well as contrast the hypocritical public and private mentality of Victorian society.
“With every day, and from both sides of my intelligence, the moral and the intellectual, I thus drew steadily nearer to the truth, by whose partial discovery I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two.”
JANE EYRE
by Charlotte Brontë
Another classic, Jane Eyre, follows the tragic life of its female protagonist of the same name. After growing up as a mistreated and unloved orphan, Jane Eyre leaves behind her past to work as a governess at the isolated estate of Edward Rochester. She begins to discover a series of strange secrets, including a mysterious attic that no one is allowed to venture in and the haunting screams of an unknown woman that only Jane seems to hear. Through this book, Charlotte Brontë explores harsh Georgian England gender roles, class divisions, madness, and a moral crisis that will shock the reader as the plot progresses. Furthermore, Jane Eyre is praised as one of the greatest love stories of all time, with a melodramatic tragedy akin to Gothic literature.
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.”
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
by Gaston Leroux
The Phantom of the Opera was first published as a serial story in French newspapers, and it is based on a real opera house and the rumors that surrounded it. The story revolves around a hopeful young opera singer, Christine Daaé, and an ominous ghost that lurks in the catacombs of the Paris Opera House. At first, Christine is guided by the Phantom, calling him her Angel of Music, yet their relationship becomes clouded once his obsessive love for her grows. Yet behind the elusive mask of the Phantom, lies the story of someone cruelly abused and cast out from society all due to his appearance. The Phantom of the Opera contains thrilling mystery, action, tragedy, and most importantly, a romance that has gripped the hearts of readers for over a hundred years.
“None will ever be a true Parisian who has not learned to wear a mask of gaiety over his sorrows and one of sadness, boredom or indifference over his inward joy.”
Works Cited
Pagan, Amanda. “A Brief History of Gothic Horror.” The New York Public Library, 18 Oct. 2018, https://www.nypl.org/blog/2018/10/18/brief-history-gothic-horror
“Origins of Gothic Literature.” Interesting Literature, n.d., https://interestingliterature.com/2012/12/origins-of-gothic-literature/
“Gothic Literature: A Definition and List of Gothic Fiction Elements.” Owlcation, 18 July 2022, https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Gothic-Novel-What-is-Gothic-Literature
Notes, Elif. “20 Most Famous Classic Gothic Novels That Will Intrigue You With z their Horror Stories.” Elif Notes, 31 July 2022, https://elifnotes.com/gothic-novels/
Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Reader’s Library Classics, 2022.
Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Penguin Classics, 2006.
Leroux, Gaston. The Phantom of the Opera. SeaWolf Press Illustrated Classic, 2021.
Photo Credits
https://www.abebooks.fr/9781523234837/Strange-Case-Jekyll-Hyde-Stevenson-1523234830/plp
https://www.abebooks.com/9780140623253/Jane-Eyre-Charlotte-Bronte-0140623256/plp
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/480204.The_Phantom_of_the_Opera
https://scalar.usc.edu/works/star-of-the-sea-a-postcolonialpostmodern-voyage-into-the-irish-famine/gothic-elements