Main Features of the English Gothic Novel

Abstract

The present work is intended to highlight some general lines common to the English Gothic literature mainly until the 1890s. After locating literary Gothicism and presenting some general features shared by the Gothic novels, attention will be paid to the atmosphere, the stock features, narrative techniques, themes and symbols present in such type of writings. A special place is played by the language of terror that generates fear, awe, suspense, emotion, excitement, ontological uncertainty. As far as the Gothic aesthetics is concerned, the illustrative examples are meant to certify once more the place of the Gothic novel among the texts embodying and evoking cultural anxieties.

Keywords

• atmosphere
• disturbance of boundaries
• language of terror
• English Gothic novel
• cultural anxieties