Mid Term Essay

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Recommended: The study of Gothic literature

Selah Saterstrom’s The Pink Institution is a novel set in the Deep South following the Civil War. It tells the story of a family over many generations from the point of view of the narrator (who is assumed to be the author of the novel). Saterstrom’s novel is considered to be a historic autobiographical gothic novel. Over the years, this novel has been the topic of many enthusiastic debates over whether the work is actually a novel or even gothic in nature. After reading and analyzing the work at length, there is no doubt that this work illustrates many themes found commonly in gothic literature.
First, it’s important to understand the definition of “gothic literature.” At its most basic level, gothic literature is a genre that incorporates themes that are important to the human condition (relationships, gender, patriarchy, nostalgia, and the supernatural) and tend to look from the present back into the past (Gothic Literature, 2007). Gothic literature is known for their mysterious or sensational plots. It’s also important to note that the terms “gothic literature” and “gothic horror” are used somewhat interchangeably among people (Gothic Literature, 2007).
There are specific themes that are usually always present in works that are considered to gothic in nature. Themes commonly found in gothic literature include: a setting in a dark, mysterious, or run-down place, an atmosphere of mystery or suspense, some type of ancient prophecy, omens or visions, supernatural events, women in distress, and women threatened by tyrannical males (Harris, 2013). At this point, it’s important to point out that Saterstrom’s novel contains four of the aforementioned themes.
The setting of a gothic novel is extremely important. Historically, go...

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... apart and decay right before our eyes. The audience is forced to watch exceedingly cruel and violent acts that are committed against family members by the people that are supposed to protect them. This tale is most definitely gothic in nature as it is horrifying, gloomy, suspenseful, and downright terrifying to behold. The author has also incorporated many themes that are essential to gothic novels. Simply said, this novel is definitely a gothic horror novel.

Works Cited

"Gothic Literature." : What Is Gothic Literature? N.p., 11 July 2007. Web. 22 Mar. 2014. .
Harris, Robert. "Elements of the Gothic Novel." Elements of the Gothic Novel. N.p., 2013 Dec. 20. Web. 22 Mar. 2014. .
Saterstrom, Selah. The Pink Institution. Canada: Coffee House Press, 2004.

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