Gothic Literature An Introduction Background Originally an architecturalart

Gothic Literature An Introduction

Background • Originally an architectural/art movement • Medieval revival • Appearance in Literature in late 18 th Century • Part of Romanic movement • Popular into the early 19 th Century

Elements of the Gothic • Large, drafty family estates (American castles) • Secrets, mystery, suspense • Supernatural events: ghosts, murders, strange noises, etc. • Idea of the uncanny • Myths, legends, folklore • Omens, foreshadowing, dreams • Strong Emotions--horror, anger, insanity, obsessive love • Death and grief

Gothic as Romantic Imagination Psychology Emotion Individual Inspired by myths, legend, folklore

Bio Recap: Edgar Allan Poe Father left & his mother died before he was three Taken in by the Allan family, but never formally adopted Gambling debt at school No inheritance from Allan Married 13 -year old cousin, Virginia Issues with alcohol Lived and died in poverty

“The Raven” Lit. Devices Mood: feeling created in the reader; may be suggested by diction, events, or setting Alliteration: repetition of initial consonant sounds ex: Bob’s big box bonanza Internal Rhyme: rhyming words that occur within a line, rather than at the end ex: She heard the bird. Allusion: a reference (historical, mythological, pop culture, literary, biblical, etc. )

“The Raven” Vocabulary • • • quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore = strange book of ancient learning …wrought its ghost = formed ash surcease = an end entreating = begging, pleading token = sign lattice = wood or metal framework obeisance = gesture of respect or subservience mien = manner Pallas = Greek goddess of wisdom beguiling = charming; deceiving …decorum of the countenance it wore = the look on its face craven = coward • • • Plutonian = Pluto; Roman god of the underworld placid = tranquil, gentle, undisturbed …its only stock and store = the only thing it can say dirges = funeral hymns ominous = sinister, threatening censer = incense burner usually hung at funerals Seraphim = highest order of angel respite = rest nepenthe = potion that makes you forget pain and sorrow quaff = drink …is there balm in Gilead? = Is there any relief from my sorrow? Aidenn = Eden or Heaven