Gothic fiction combined elements of horror and romance and
came to prominence as a genre in Europe in the 1800s. Henry Walpole's The
Castle of Otranto is seen as the first essentially gothic work of fiction and
the genre takes its name from its subtitle, 'A Gothic Work'. Such works place
an emphasis on mystery, supernatural forces, strange settings and suspense.
Powerful secrets often lie at the heart of these novels. Traditionally, these
stories were set in the Europe of the Middle Ages but, as the genre developed,
authors began to set their novels in more recognizable places and also
developed their characters as more recognizable. The intention was to increase
the fear of the reader. Stevenson draws on this approach, presenting characters
and settings that were instantly recognizable to his contemporary audience
alongside supernatural elements. This intensified the experience for the
Victorian reader, who was faced with an instantly familiar world, which was
suddenly equally frightening.
The genre was a reaction to the emphasis on reason and the
stifling of emotions, which dominated Victorian life, it served as a warning that
the rational alone could not explain the world around us. Although these works
challenged conventional thinking, they also served as a warning as the heroes
often died in the end. The pursuit of knowledge and the challenging of accepted
scientific and moral boundaries was seen to cause ruin and downfall.
Complete a table, identifying how Stevenson includes each of the listed conventions of the
gothic genre in his novella.
Mysterious and sinister buildings, Labyrinthine passages, Shadows, darkness, flickering candlelight, Extreme weather conditions, Secrets, Central figure who pushes the boundaries and ruins himself, Supernatural forces at work,
Terrifying events, True identities revealed at the end.
