English 8: Gothic Elements - To Kill a Mockingbird and "Masque of the Red Death"

Gothic Elements - Dark and Tragic Themes

We will be exploring many themes in To Kill a Mockingbird, including prejudice, courage, justice and the use and abuse of power; another is the Gothic theme which includes elements such as these: Setting Gothic literature often is set in old, rundown structures, especially castles or great country manors. The building usually features hidden passages, trap doors, dungeons or secret rooms, and has suffered a decline from its former greatness. Environment The environment around the setting reflects a bleak or foreboding atmosphere: dark forests, imposing mountains, stormy weather or areas far away from civilization. Atmosphere Gothic literature stresses an atmosphere of mystery, horror and dread. The plot involves hidden secrets that threaten the protagonist. Protagonists The protagonists of Gothic literature are isolated or alone. That isolation could be physical (trapped in a house far from civilization) or emotional (cut off from the people around her), and may either be self-imposed or a result of circumstances beyond her control. Emotions Emotions run high in Gothic literature. Characters are often passionate and strong-willed, defying others or even their own common sense in pursuit of their goals. Women are often curious and have a tendency to swoon, while men storm and rage in reflection of unseen inner torments. Damsels in Distress The “damsel in distress” motif appears quite often in Gothic literature, with women threatened by tyrannical men or just the circumstances in which they find themselves. They often appear frightened and may suffer from some kind of ailment. Foreboding Ominous implications precede dark events in Gothic literature. Unlucky omens appear, ancient curses linger in the air, and dark forces beyond the hero’s control thwart his ambitions. The Supernatural The supernatural often appears in Gothic literature, particularly ghosts and unexplained manifestations. In some Gothic novels, these elements ultimately have a rational explanation, but the implication always suggests something not of this world. Decay The overall impression of a Gothic world is one of decay: a formerly great family, community, country or individual who has peaked and now begins a slow process of decline. This appears both in the landscape (crumbling buildings) and in the characters themselves. Drama The events in Gothic literature emphasize high emotion and often reflect a heightened sense of drama. Examples include murders, kidnappings, people going mad and tragic illnesses. excerpted from: http://www.ehow.com/info_8104633_10-elements-gothic-literature.html

Element	Example from “Masque of the Red Death” with page number
Setting
Environment
Atmosphere
Protagonists
Emotions
Damsels in Distress
Foreboding
The Supernatural
Decay
Drama