The Influence of Gothic Literature on Gothic Music

1245 Words3 Pages

The Influence of Gothic Literature on Gothic Music

Gothic encompasses many genres of expression. Gothic artists speak out through the forms of literature, architecture, film, sculptures, paintings, and music. Many times, one genre of Gothic inspires another, creating fusing parallels between the two. In this way, each genre of Gothic rises to a more universal level, coalescing into the much broader understanding of Gothic. Gothic writers, such as Mary Shelley, influence Gothic music, as one sees in stylistic devices including diction, setting, and tone.

In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley's eerie diction turns otherwise normal elements of life into bizarre institutions, a transition which Gothic musicians frequently utilize. Under Shelley's power, science turns ungodly, men evolve into monsters, and happiness sours into pain. To an audience taught to celebrate science as a positive step forward in mankind, Shelley shows the dark side of technology. Science grows as not a life-giving or life-retrieving tool, but the very temptation which causes the character, Frankenstein, to crawl "among the unhallowed damps of the grave" and lose "all soul or sensation but for" the unwanted recreation of life (Shelley 39). Frankenstein's passion helps no one, but actually forces a being into existence against its wishes and the betterment of the people around it. Similarly, Gothic musicians use diction to taint common human behavior, namely mental contemplation and sexual intercourse. Through the use of diction, the mind becomes "a twenty four hour unblinking watch," (Bauhaus) whose owner himself must trivialize as "silly" in order to come to grips with his thoughts. The depiction of the mind, no longer t...

... middle of paper ...

...The stylistics of Gothic intermingle to produce an overall dramatic effect across the board of art genres. Henceforth, a chain reaction occurs. Artists create Gothic art in multiple genres, fans of each genre expose themselves to the art, and inspiration leads to another rotation in the cycle of Gothic. Ultimately, the influence of art upon art keeps Gothic itself alive.

Sources Cited

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Bantom Reissue edition, 1991.

Bowie, David. Outside. Beverly Hills, California, 1995.

Tones on Tails. Night Music. England, 1987.

The Cure. Seventeen Seconds. New York, New York, 1980.

Bauhaus. Swing the Heartache: The BBC Sessions. New York, New York, 1989.

Internet. Available WWW: http:www.gothic.net/darkside/dmusic.html

Internet. Available WWW: http://www.allmusic.com/cg/x.exe1.

Show More
Related

  • The Gothic Tradition in Stoker's Dracula and Wilde's Picture of Dorian Gray

    2369 Words  | 5 Pages

    Gothic Literature was a natural progression from romanticism, which had existed in the 18th Century. Initially, such a ‘unique’ style of literature was met with a somewhat mixed response; although it was greeted with enthusiasm from members of the public, literary critics were much more dubious and sceptical.

    Read More

  • Comparing Gothic Literature In Vathek, The Italian, And Wuthering Heights

    1044 Words  | 3 Pages

    Gothic literature just continues to get better and better! Since the first gothic novel, The Castle of Otranto in 1764, gothic literature has persistently flourished and has been altered over time. The changes are prominent in the excerpts from Vathek, The Italian, Frankenstein, and Wuthering Heights. Over many years, the expansion of gothic literature has displayed an increase in the amount of modern vocabulary, the literature itself has become darker and more unnatural, and the literature has incorporated further character development. All of these factors have transformed gothic literature in a way that has both complimented The Castle of Otranto and progressed away from it as well.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast The Fall Of The House Of Usher And House Taken Over

    702 Words  | 2 Pages

    Gothic literature and magical realism go hand in hand, both provide a lasting impact within the story, and they’re all unique. Romance, death, adventures and provoking sounds all work together in harmony rather than in

    Read More

  • How Did Gothic Literature Influence The Fall Of The House Of Usher

    516 Words  | 2 Pages

    Gothic literature has greatly influenced today’s horror and suspense genres. Edgar Allan Poe wrote many short stories, most of which were filled with dark elements and a deep awareness for the capacity for evil. The Fall of the House of Usher is a key example of gothic literature through the use of grotesque characters, bizarre situations, and violent events. All of these elements come together and express dark impulses and emotion.

    Read More

  • Mary Shelley´s Frankenstein, an Example of Gothic Romance

    717 Words  | 2 Pages

    The literary elements of remote and desolate settings, a metonymy of gloom and horror, and women in distress, clearly show “Frankenstein” to be a Gothic Romantic work. Mary Shelley used this writing style to effectively allow the reader to feel Victor Frankenstein’s regret and wretchedness. In writing “Frankenstein” Mary Shelley wrote one the most popular Gothic Romantic novels of all time.

    Read More

  • Who Is the Real Monster in Frankenstein?

    1708 Words  | 4 Pages

    Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a nineteenth century literary work that delves into the world of science and the plausible outcomes of morally insensitive technological research. Although the novel brings to the forefront several issues about knowledge and sublime nature, the novel mostly explores the psychological and physical journey of two complex characters. While each character exhibits several interesting traits that range from passive and contemplative to rash and impulsive, their most attractive quality is their monstrosity. Their monstrosities, however, differ in the way each of the character’s act and respond to their environment.

    Read More

  • Edgar Allan Poe: Amazing Poet and Writer

    916 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...ble. His drinking increased and his decision making skills worsened. Poe would soon come to his own demise in the streets of Baltimore. Poe was found On October 3, 1849 in the streets very disoriented and in dire need of assistance(Poemhunter). He was taken to the Washington College Hospital, where he died on Sunday, October 7, 1849, at 5:00 in the morning(Poemhunter). Poe's reported last words were "Lord help my poor soul."

    Read More

  • Edgar Allan Poe Essay

    2017 Words  | 5 Pages

    His legacy influenced a whole new genre of literacy. It influenced not just American but international literature. He was one of the first writers whom developed the genre of detective, fiction, and horror. He is known as the “Architect” of the modern short story. Poe was one of the first critics to focus on style in literary work. Steven King, Clive Barker, and others followed Poe’s footsteps. The genre of horror is bigger than ever today and Edgar Allan Poe was the forefront of this style of writing. French, Italians, and writers in Spanish and Portuguese acknowledge their debts to Poe. If not for Poe, we wouldn’t have all of the great horror and detective films and stories we still read to this day.

    Read More

  • Gothic Theme in Chapter 5 of Frankenstein

    1554 Words  | 4 Pages

    The term ‘Gothic’ conjures a range of possible meanings, definitions and associations. It explicitly denotes certain historical and cultural phenomena. Gothicism was part of the Romantic Movement that started in the eighteenth century and lasted about three decades into the nineteenth century. For this essay, the definition of Gothic that is applicable is: An 18th century literary style characterized by gloom and the supernatural. In the Gothic novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, a wide range of issues are explored. Frankenstein represents an entirely new vision of the female Gothic, along with many other traditional themes such as religion, science, colonialism and myth.

    Read More

  • Edgar Allan Poe Biography

    1022 Words  | 3 Pages

    Edgar Allan Poe is a Boston born native to Massachusetts. An orphan by age two, Poe was separated from his two siblings, William Henry and Rosalie, and sent to live with John and Fanny Allan. Poe’s young life was ordinary. At the age of 6, Poe and the Allan family moved to England for John’s expanding business. Poe was separated from his new family to attend schools in Scotland and Chelsea, England. He was unhappy and bitter about being abandoned in his later years. The Allan’s business failed and their debt increased to an unimaginable level. The Allan family and Poe returned to America in 1820. After the death of John Allan’s uncle, the inheritance was able to soothe their debt. As a teen, Poe attended Clarke Academy which is where he began his love of poetry and literature. Poe went on to excel in athletics and academics, all the while never being legally adopted by his guardians. Poe attended the University of Virginia in Charleston and ran into his own debt. His relationship with John became increasingly difficult and eventually came to physical confrontation after the death of Fanny, Poe’s beloved maternal figure. Poe left in 1827 to join the army. In 1830 he began at West Point Military Academy, only to be court martialed a year later. Upon leaving West Point, Poe left to live with his extended family in Baltimore Maryland. This family consisted of his aunt Maria, and two cousins Henry and Virginia. During his time of staying with his aunt “Muddy” and his two cousins, Poe lost his old guardian John Allan and also his oldest brother Henry. In 1835 he began working for the Southern Literary Messenger. His first short story, "Metzengerstein" was published in 1836. In May of that year, Poe and his 14 year old cousin Virginia Cl...

    Read More

  • The Life and Poetry of Edgar Allen Poe

    750 Words  | 2 Pages

    Poet and literary critic, Edgar Allan Poe, was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. Edgar Allan Poes’ parents died when he was young and was taken in by John and Frances Allan. His birth parents, David and Elizabeth Poe died roughly around 1810. Edgar Allan Poe was baptized in 1812 by the Allan family in the Episcopal Church. His adoptive parents were wealthy merchants and allowed Poe to be educated in many schools around Europe and the East coast. The Allan Family never formally adopted him, but they left him great sums of land, but those were taken back due to Poes’ alcohol abuse and gambling problem while attending the University of Virginia.

    Read More

  • Monstrosity in Frankenstein

    1001 Words  | 3 Pages

    Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, explores the monstrous and destructive affects of obsession, guilt, fate, and man’s attempt to control nature. Victor Frankenstein, the novel’s protagonist and antihero, attempts to transcend the barriers of scientific knowledge and application in creating a life. His determination in bringing to life a dead body consequently renders him ill, both mentally and physically. His endeavors alone consume all his time and effort until he becomes fixated on his success. The reason for his success is perhaps to be considered the greatest scientist ever known, but in his obsessive toil, he loses sight of the ethical motivation of science. His production would ultimately grieve him throughout his life, and the consequences of his undertaking would prove disastrous and deadly. Frankenstein illustrates the creation of a monster both literally and figuratively, and sheds light on the dangers of man’s desire to play God.

    Read More

  • Edgar Allen Poe

    1080 Words  | 3 Pages

    Best known for his poems and short fiction, Edgar Allan Poe deserves more credit than any other writer for the transformation of the short story into a respected literary work. He virtually created the detective story and perfected the psychological thriller. He also produced some of the most influential literary criticism of his time. Although he contributed so much to the writing world, little is known about the Poe himself. Historians have been trying for years to piece together the life of this literary genius. In almost every biographical publication Poe’s life is divided into three sections: his early life, his career, and his death.

    Read More

  • Gothic Literature and the Writings of Edgar Allan Poe

    862 Words  | 2 Pages

    There is one known very influential writing style called Gothic Literature. It is not only considered to involve the horror or gothic element but is combined with romance, superstition, women in distress, omens, portents, vision and supernatural events to name a few (Beesly). The history and beginning of this era is not well known. From a few writers came this writing style that has impacted the world. A famous artists known for this type of writing is a man named Edgar Allan Poe. He wrote many short stories and poems that include horror, gothic, and romance just mentioned.

    Read More

  • Edgar Allan Poe

    536 Words  | 2 Pages

    Today I’m going to be telling you about Edgar Allan Poe such as his career beginnings, major works, and tragic death. But first, lets get to know where he comes from. Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. He never really knew his parents, both to whom were professional actors. His father left the family early and his mother died before he was three years old. He was a foster child who was raised by Frances and John Allan. John Allan being a famous tobacco importer sent Poe to many high-class schools. John sent Poe to the University of Virginia, where Poe did excessively well. Since Poe didn’t receive enough money from John Allan to pay for college, he moved to Boston and enlisted in the United States Army (The Biography.com).

    Read More

More about The Influence of Gothic Literature on Gothic Music

Open Document