What were common literary elements used in the gothic literature and romanticism era?
Gothic literature and Romanticism share some common literary elements, as they both explore themes of the supernatural, the imagination, and intense emotions. However, there are some specific elements that are more prevalent in each era.
Gothic Literature:
1. Setting: The setting is often a dark and mysterious location, such as an old castle, an abandoned mansion, or a gloomy graveyard.
2. Atmosphere: The atmosphere is typically eerie, gloomy, and mysterious, often enhanced by the use of dark and stormy weather.
3. Supernatural elements: Supernatural occurrences or supernatural beings like ghosts, vampires, or monsters play prominent roles in Gothic literature.
4. An atmosphere of terror and suspense: Gothic literature aims to create feelings of fear and unease in the reader, making use of suspense, horror, and terror.
5. Psychological exploration: Characters in Gothic literature often experience intense emotions and psychological disturbances.
6. Melodrama: Gothic literature is often characterized by exaggerated and intense emotions, as well as sensational and fantastic events.
7. Duality: Characters in Gothic literature often have a dual nature, representing both good and evil, or sanity and insanity.
Romanticism:
1. Focus on nature: Romanticism emphasized the beauty and power of nature, often presenting it as a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal.
2. Emotion and imagination: Romanticism celebrated intense emotions, emphasizing the importance of imagination and individual feeling over reason and logic.
3. The sublime: Romantic literature often sought to evoke feelings of awe and the sublime, exploring the vastness and overwhelming nature of the natural world.
4. Idealized heroes and heroines: Romantic literature often features heroic individuals who possess exceptional beauty, talent, or nobility, representing idealized facets of humanity.
5. Symbolism: Romantic works often use symbols and imagery to evoke deeper meanings and emotions.
6. Individualism: Romanticism emphasized the importance of individuality, self-expression, and freedom of thought.
7. Exoticism and escapism: Romantic literature often featured exotic settings or focused on themes of travel and exploration, providing an escape from the constraints of society.
It's important to note that these elements are not exclusive to their respective eras and can be found in different variations in other periods too.