The Dark Romantics or The Gothic Romantics A

The Dark Romantics or The Gothic Romantics A subcategory of American Romanticism

Comparing Literature Ages Remember…. n Each successive age is a reaction to the previous one. n Each previous age fails to see the achievement of the successive age. n Using the chart on the next slide, explain how Rationalists reacted to Puritanism.

Comparing Literature Ages Puritanism Rationalism Faith Reason Authority Skeptics Theology Science Predestined Humanity Self-made Humanity

The Romantic response to the Rationalists and Industrialization… Over-crowding n Urbanization n Factory life/work n Poverty n How do you think the Romantics would respond to these issues in their stories?

Comparing Literature Ages Puritanism Rationalism Romanticism Faith Reason Extreme Emotions, Insanity Authority Skepticism Mystery, Suspense Theology Science Supernatural, Occult Legends, Dreams, Wild Nature Predestined Humanity Self-made Humanity Fate, Curses, Omens

Beliefs of the Dark Romantics 1. 2. 3. Dark Romantics are much less confident about the notion that perfection or idealism is an innate quality of mankind. Presents individuals as prone to sin and self destruction, not as inherently possessing divinity and wisdom. Frequently show individuals failing in their attempts to make changes for the better.

Beliefs of the Dark Romantics 4. Romantics and Dark Romantics both believe that nature is a deeply spiritual force; however, Dark Romanticism views nature as sinister and evil. 5. When nature does reveal truth to man, its revelations are pessimistic and soulcrushing.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DARK ROMANTICISM AND GOTHIC LITERATURE

1. Importance of Setting n The setting is greatly influential in Gothic stories. It not only evokes the atmosphere of horror and dread, but also portrays the deterioration of its world. n The decaying, ruined scenery implies that at one time there was a thriving world. At one time the abbey, castle, mansion, or landscape was something treasured and appreciated. n Now, all that lasts is the decaying shell of a once thriving dwelling.

2. An Atmosphere of Mystery and Suspense n Works are permeated by a threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown. n Often the plot itself is built around a mystery, such as unknown parentage, a disappearance, or some other inexplicable event.

3. Omens, Portents, Visions n A character may have a disturbing dream, vision, or some phenomenon may be seen as a portent of coming events. n For example, if the statue of the lord of the manor falls over, it may portend his death. n Portent: A sign or warning that something, esp. something momentous or calamitous, is likely to happen.

4. Supernatural or Otherwise Inexplicable Events Dramatic, amazing events occur, such as ghosts or giants walking, or inanimate objects (such as a suit of armor or painting) coming to life n In some works, the events are ultimately given a natural explanation, while in others, the events are truly supernatural. n

5. High, Even Overwrought Emotion n n The narration may be highly sentimental, and the characters are often overcome by anger, sorrow, surprise, and especially terror. Characters suffer from raw nerves and a feeling of impending doom. n n Crying and emotional speeches are frequent. Breathlessness and panic are common.

Abbreviated Dark Romanticism Characteristics n Setting is in bleak or remote places n Plot involves morbid or violent incidents n Characters are in psychological and/or physical torment n A supernatural or otherworldly element is often present

Abbreviated Dark Romanticism Characteristics n Very pessimistic n Individuals are prone to sin and selfdestruction n Nature is dark, sinister, and mysterious; man is flawed

Dark Romantic Heroes Conflicted n Loner n Misunderstood by society n Spiritual n Talented or gifted in some way n Inspired by creativity and imagination rather than society norms n

Elements of Dark Romanticism n n n n n Drafty, old, family houses/castles Mystery and suspense, finding dark secrets Supernatural: ghosts, curses, monsters, etc. Grisly death and gruesome murder Omens, curses, dreams, legends Extreme emotions of grief, passion, love Instances of madness and insanity References wild, dangerous nature Mood: creepy, doom and gloom, terror

Edgar Allan Poe Biography Directions: 1. Read Edgar Allan Poe’s biography on pages 450 -453. 2. Under each heading, list two main ideas from that section. (Five headings = 10 facts) Make sure you label each heading, then list the two facts underneath the heading. 3. After you finish answer, explain how Poe’s life influenced his writing. How did his life fate him to become a Dark Romantic writer?