Gothic Literature Essay

The romanticized view of Gothic literature has influenced many by its gloomy atmosphere of metaphorical elements. Gothic Literature, also known as Gothic Horror, combines elements of horror, romanticism, and supernatural events. The beginning of Gothic Literature began in the 18th century “during the medieval times” where it was “a strong source of inspiration” , which influenced many of the authors setting choices such as the use of castles and monasteries. Horace Walpole, author of The Castle of Otranto, is known to be the first author of Gothic Romance making “use of the medieval Gothic architecture styles and design” (Lad 1). Differentiating from other genres of novels, Gothic novel express emotions of isolation, fear, despair, and suspense. The authors Nathaniel Hawthorne, Edgar Allan Poe, and H.P. Lovecraft displayed these dark elements through their writings and impacted history’s literature (Lad 1).

Edgar Allan Poe, “the inventor of the detective fiction genre”, became a famous American Gothic writer of stories including The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and many more. Poe “was the first well-known American writer to try to earn a living through writing alone, resulting in a financially difficult life and career ” (“The Biography of Edgar Allan Poe” 1). As a literary critic and editor he “focused his criticism on the specifics of style and construction.” His writing consisted of many malicious and dark topics “demonstrat[ing] a brilliant command of language and technique as well as an inspired and original imagination” in his stories (“Edgar Allan Poe” 1) . The Raven, one of Poe’s most famous poems, is a story about a raven that haunts a grieving lover. In this poem he used gothic components of isolation, darkness, and my...

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...from the Traditional Victorian Era to the new and modern writing style of Gothic Fiction (Luckhurst). Lovecraft’s impact to Gothic Literature surpasses generations to come because of his unique style of writing. (“Howard Phillips Lovecraft” 1).

The dark and mysterious tone of Gothic Literature changed history due to the American authors Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and H.P. Lovecraft. Edgar Allan Poe invented the genre of detective fiction using words to express emotions of fear and mystery. From allegorical and moral messages, Nathaniel Hawthorne taught themes of human sins and isolation through his novels. H.P. Lovecraft brought the concept of supernatural creatures and fictional ideas, changing the history of horror stories. From these authors, they greatly impacted and influenced not only the history of writing but many authors of our generations.