An interesting schematic explanation calls romanticism the predominance of imagination over reason and formal rules (classicism) and the sense of fact or the actual (realism)” (Holman & Harmon, 2001). “Walter Pater thought the addition of estrangement to beauty (the neoclassicists having insisted on the order in beauty) constituted the romantic temper. As a result of such sweeping changes, the literary tradition was highly concerned with discovering liberalism in thought. Largely recognized as having begun in the late 1700s and persisting well into the mid-1800s, the period is marked especially by vast changes taking place in the social landscape. The prevailing literary tradition in vogue at the time Poe was writing was the Romantic period. An understanding of the various literary ideas that were floating around while Poe was writing one of his most famous works, “The Raven,” reveals how these traditions were synthesized and condensed by Poe to create a new genre in literary fiction. Although he wrote during what is commonly considered the Romantic period in literary circles, it is primarily through his writing that the concept of the Gothic Romantic came to life. “If any literary work is too long to be read at one sitting, we must be content to dispense with the immensely important effect derivable from unity of impression” (Mowery, 1997). His theory regarding writing was that it should be short enough to be read through at one time. Upon reaching the majority, Poe struggled to find his niche in life, publishing his first book of poems when he was only 19 and moving to short stories by the time he was 23 (Conklin, 1989). Born in 1803 to parents who died soon afterward, Poe grew up as a foster child in the home of the Allans, neither of whom were capable of understanding his sensitive and somewhat brooding nature. This way, they are able to pick out key characteristics when we read gothic stories.When the thought of today, the nineteenth-century writer Edgar Allan Poe is remembered as the master of the short story and the psychological thriller. It is important for students to have a clear understanding of the elements of the genre. I start my unit on Gothic Literature with an introduction to the genre. Flickering candles and other frightful concepts How Can I introduce this exciting genre in my classroom? Howling wind, thunder storms, and strange climactic conditions Things beyond scientific understanding, which lend way to mystery Suspense and fear are crucial elements of Gothic stories. Confining family units that women must escape from Elements of Gothic Literature #5 – Feelings of mystery and fear Early Gothic novels featured women who were virginal Women driven to madness or rendered powerless Feelings of oppression, loneliness, and sadness Common elements of distressed damsels include: Women often face oppression in Gothic stories. Spells of lust, anxiety, and hysteria Elements of Gothic Literature #4 – Damsel in distress Passionate romances plagued by sorrow and tragedy ![]() Romantic elements often found in Gothic Literature include: The two genres have several overlapping characteristics. Many believe that Gothic Literature stemmed from Romantic Literature. Elements of superstition Elements of Gothic Literature #3 – Romance Creatures like spirits, monsters, ghosts, and vampires Unexplained sights, sounds, or occurrences Much of the allure of Gothic Literature comes from supernatural elements that help move the plot forward. Graveyards Elements of Gothic Literature #2 – Supernatural Elements Medieval style castles, mansions, or abbeys ![]() The environment and atmosphere of a Gothic novel directly contributes to feelings of fear and uneasiness. Elements of Gothic Literature #1 – Mysterious and eerie Elements
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