BFIwithMrsC

 Before we define what melodrama and realism are together let us understand their individual concepts. Gothic melodrama has its origins in literature. It is a hybrid of melodrama and drama. Stories usually revolve around a damsel in distress and strong man, and take place in a grand setting, often containing some element of supernatural. While on the other hand, gothic realism is a blend of realism and fantasy which means that the characters are developped as true to what they would be in the real world while they are placed in situations that are completely unreal. A key feature in gothic literature is it's use of overpowering drama, unstable emotions, a sense of uneasyness, and unpressedented emotions. It makes our inner ethical and rational thinking collide by creating a problem that is multi dimensional and can't be fixed using right or wrong. Gothic drama creates an internal chaos and confusion of our emotions which incites us to continue reding to find an answer to all th...

Key issue 7: Power and Menace in Gothic writing Last years group work: https://oibwithmrsc.blogspot.com/2021/11/key-issue-seven-power-and-menace-in.html Our work: Power ability to control people and events Man over man/nature over man Comes in different forms: violence, fear, psychological  It is said that usually villains hold the power→dominance→abuse of the power they hold Influence: application of power to accomplish a specific power Menace Something that is likely to cause harm Usually an omniscient presence  Threat/danger  Menace comes in different forms: characters (usually brought by the villains→psychological aspect can bring uncertainty=> a character’s psychological instability which can transform to a dangerous aspect for the surrounding),inner fears, setting (brings tension)  Power and menace can be considered essential in gothic literature. Power; which can be defined with the ability to control people and events, is in the heart of humanity as a who...

       Heroes And Villains In Gothic Literature How Are Heroes and Villains generally represented in Gothic literature: PERSPECTIVE  Heroes and Villains in Gothic writing are generally represented similarly without having too many differences compared to other literature genres. On the contrary of what people may think, Heroes and Villains in gothic literature aren’t all about depression, sadness and hatred between the Heroes & Villains, we can also see love install itself in some gothic works. Within gothic literature heroes often start as outcasts, people with flaws whose main goal is to try to comprehend and integrate society whilst having lived most of their lives isolated from society. This concept of heroes in gothic literature is very contrary to the classical heroes found in other writings/works who are usually shown as perfect characters with few imperfections who tend to want to defeat the “bad guys”. On the other hand, villains in gothic lite...

In Gothic work, fear and terror can be caused by many different factors, First of all, the main plot is most of the time linked to a concept or persona/creature that induces fear in the protagonists and the spectator. Fear is a complex concept that can be interpreted in many ways, it is one of the rare feelings that can not be controlled, it could even be separated in different types of fears, that all could have their own meaning and effects. Def: -Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain or harm.         -Horror: an intense feeling of shock, fear or disgust, it is a feeling from a spectator         -Terror: extreme fear, you are a direct actor when you are terrified, you are the one concerned or in danger.         -Dread: anticipate great apprehension or fear.  Fear in people is induced by the unknown or the incomprehensible, the human is...

Key Issue Four The monster and the monstrous in Gothic writing Mounjiya, Monique, Ondine, Pauline Introduction: Various definitions of what a monster can be: Comes from the Latin word “monere”, meaning “to warn”. 1. a. An imaginary or legendary creature, such as a centaur or Harpy, that combines parts from various animal or human forms. b. A creature having a strange or frightening appearance. 2. Archaic An organism that has structural defects or deformities. 3. a cruel, wicked, or inhuman person 4. One who inspires horror or disgust: a monster of selfishness. Definitions of what being monstrous involves: 1. a. Shockingly hideous or frightful in appearance. b. Of or resembling a fabulous monster. 2. Exceptionally large; enormous: a monstrous tidal wave. 3. Extremely immoral or cruel: a monstrous dictator; monstrous behaviour. 4. Archaic Deviating greatly from the norm in appearance or structure; abnormal. Famous monsters in Gothic Literature:  Dracula (Bram Stoker’s Dracula ) Fra...

Use and effect of Setting in Gothic writing   INTRO: The setting of Dorian Gray is unusual. The scene takes place in London. It starts in a wealthy art studio (oriental furniture). A typical gothic setting would be an abandoned dark place (often from the Middle Ages), where help cannot be found easily. The setting is crucial to create a special atmosphere which plays with tension and anxiety. Usually, gothic stories or films are set in old, isolated castles, graveyards, caves or mansions, during the night. The character wanders through this place and doors and windows are often half-opened, creating mystery and fear of the unknown. The goal of the gothic setting is to scare the main character and by that the reader too. For example, shadows make the story creepy and scary because the reader is not able to see what is hidden in the dark (or behind half-opened doors).   Sources :  https://freebooksummary.com/ the-picture-of-dorian-grayby- oscar-wilde-setting-plot-23164 ...

Representation of gender in gothic literature: https://oibwithmrsc.blogspot.com/ General info: Set in the 18th and 19th century + gender roles were extremely strict and rigid with a male dominant society Stereotypical representation of both genders + social norms of the time Gothic literature: real evidence of gender   Named after the location where the tales often take place: old manor houses, castles and abbeys (monasteries) considered “barbarian” architectural forms when compared to the classical forms Often concerns the struggles of women in an overbearing patriarchal society Presence of a huge separation between the representation of men and women. representation of marriage: seen as cold-man and woman are emotionally distant and quite formal.  Men: Have a certain type of power over women (obeying to their husband)=> Strong and sense of masculinity  Represented as monsters (ill physically and mentally) Vilains (use sexuality as a weapon) Often controlled by s...