Gothic Novel 

What is Gothic Novel ? 

Also known as Gothic horror, Gothic fiction is a literary genre characterized by elements of mystery, horror, and the supernatural. Inspired by the aesthetic and architecture of the Middle Ages, Gothic literature gets its name from the Gothic castles, churches, ruins, and abandoned estates it uses as a setting for the haunting storyline. Writers combine dark imagery with suspenseful narrative to reflect the decayed and battered state of the architecture, fusing terror with pleasure.

Main Themes 

• Terror and Horror – Gothic novels evoke fear through both psychological terror and shocking horror.

• The Supernatural – Supernatural elements like ghosts and creatures are central, creating a sense of mystery and fear.

• Isolation and Madness – Characters often experience isolation, leading to madness or psychological instability.

• Forbidden Romance  – Tragic or forbidden love adds emotional tension 

• Dark and Mysterious Settings – Gloomy settings like decaying castles or haunted houses enhance the eerie atmosphere.

• The Gothic Hero/Villain – Complex, morally ambiguous figures, often haunted or tormented, blur the line between heroism and villainy.

‼️ The Sublime ‼️

inspiring, overwhelming natural or architectural elements evoke both fear and admiration.

Authors and Books

• Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849): Often considered the master of Gothic fiction

 📚 The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher and The Raven 

• Mary Shelley (1797–1851):  gothic elements with science fiction, exploring themes of creation, isolation

📚 Frankenstein

• Bram Stoker (1847–1912):  horror with themes of sexuality, immigration, and Victorian morality

📚 Dracula 

• Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) : Aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the darker side of beauty

    📚 The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance Of Being Ernest 

• Charlotte Brontë (1816-1855) : Feminine identity, social criticism, and the supernatural.

  📚 Jane Eyre

List of sources: 

Robert Harris, Elements of the gothic novels, Gothic Literature in Special Collections

MasterClass, Gothic Fiction: Definition, Authors and Books

Barbora Zolmanová