Gothic Literature

Gothic Literature Elements The story is set in bleak or remote places. The plot involves macabre or violent incidents. Characters are in psychological and/or physical torment. A supernatural or otherworldly element is often present.

Edgar Allen Poe First writer to define the short story. He was drawn to writing about eerie thoughts, impulses, and fears, and his tales are full of wickedness, anguish, crime, and death. Felt the short story style should achieve “a certain unique or single effect” of emotion. Every character, incident, and detail should contribute to this effect.

Edgar Allen Poe “Fall of the House of Usher” Do Now: Of what does the description of the house of Usher make you think?

Questions from page 325 2a. He is his childhood friend and he is going to help him from the effects of his sickness or “malady.” 2b. The narrator is powerless to help Usher from his descent into madness and his death. 2c. A person can become affected by another person’s psychological problems.

Questions from page 325 3a. There are words such as excessive antiquity, fungi overspread the whole exterior, and fissures extending from the roof. 3b. The house is vulnerable to collapse as are those inside it.

Questions from page 325 4a. It is dark and has intricate passages; there are phantasmagoric trophies, and an air of stern, deep, and irredeemable gloom. 4b. He is pale and unkempt. 4c. Like, Usher, the house is in physical decay; like his mind, the house is gloomy and full of sorrow.

Questions from page 325 5a. It increases the horror of their connection and Roderick’s inability to save his sister/twin. 5b. Roderick knows what Madeline is experiencing; he doesn’t rescue her because he knows they’re both doomed; they are intuitive about each other’s thoughts.