Exploring Gothic Horror: A Brief History and Examples

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Vampires, ghosts, haunted mansions—oh my! These are the images that most often come to mind when we think of gothic horror.

But is there more to this genre than creaky staircases and blood-sucking counts, and are modern audiences still interested in medieval motifs? In this post, we’ll take a look at the most common characteristics of gothic horror, its origins, and what the future holds.

Defining Gothic Horror

According to The New York Public Library, the most simple definition of gothic horror is a genre that deals with “the battle between humanity and unnatural forces of evil (sometimes man-made, sometimes supernatural) within an oppressive, inescapable, and bleak landscape.”

You’ll likely feel a chilling sense of foreboding when you read Gothic literature, even if for much of the story, you may not be able to pinpoint what exactly is so scary. In general, gothic horror isn’t filled with serials killers and slashed throats; the ‘horror’ part is more subtle.

And though it isn’t a requirement, the “oppressive, inescapable, and bleak landscape” is often a house, which might even function as an antagonist.

In addition to macabre settings, other common characteristics of gothic horror include:

  • supernatural elements
  • melodrama
  • terrible secrets
  • emphasis on emotion
  • mental illness
  • psychological trauma
  • women in distress
  • abuse of power
  • nature
  • travel
  • romance

A Brief History of the Genre

Gothic literature was a product of the Romantic movement in Europe, especially in Britain. The term ‘gothic’ was first used to describe literature in 1765, in Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto: A Gothic Story.

Walpole used the adjective to refer to the Middle Ages, but the Gothic-castle setting, along with its supernatural elements, inspired the makings of a new genre in Europe, with writers like Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Ann Radcliffe, and Sir Walter Scott at the helm.

The genre’s Romantic connections can be seen in its emphasis on the sublime, especially in nature. Vast cliffs and mountains are common images found in gothic literature, with characters both threatened and in awe of these elements of nature.

Across the pond in America, Edgar Allen Poe took command, exploring themes of mental illness, trauma, and the evils of man. His writing laid the groundwork for later zombie tales, Stephen King novels, and even detective stories.

Gothic Horror Examples

Here are five examples of gothic horror novels and short stories that contain the most important markings of the genre.

1. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)

Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s experiment leads to the creation of a monstrous being, which he quickly abandons. The creature demands that Victor make him a mate. When Victor doesn’t comply, the creature stalks him across Switzerland.

2. “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allen Poe

An unnamed narrator is called to visit his “best and only friend,” who writes that he is ill. The friend, Roderick Usher, has a sister, Madeline, who is also ill and falls into cataleptic trances. The siblings are reclusive; the narrator realizes that the two have a special connection.

Roderick believes the house is alive. When Madeline dies and the narrator helps to put her in a tomb, he realizes the two are twins. As Roderick grows increasingly hysterical, they realize Madeline wasn’t as dead as they’d believed.

3. Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)

In this classic vampire novel, a solicitor travels to Transylvania to help Count Dracula purchase a home near London, and despite the warnings of locals, finds himself drawn to the mysterious Count. Only after it’s too late does he realize that Dracula’s charm is hiding something more sinister.

4. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier (1938)

It’s a classic tale of girl meets wealthy widower, then marries him after a whirlwind courtship, only to find that both her new husband and his estate are haunted by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca.

5. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020)

With many parallels to “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Noemi leaves her posh live in Mexico city for the mysterious High Place, a dilapidated mansion in the countryside, after her cousin writes her that she is desperate for help.

There, Noemi finds her cousin unwell, along with her mysterious English husband, his eccentric father, and his younger brother, who wants to help Noemí. Soon, the house that seems to breathe begins to creeps into her dreams—but will it let her escape?

What Is the Difference Between Horror and Gothic Horror?

Gothic horror can be considered a subgenre of horror, but not all horror is gothic. Gothic horror can be primarily distinguished by its connection to the Romantic literary movement, and it also relies more on atmosphere to create its eerie, spooky effect, whereas regular horror might be more plot-driven.

How Do You Write a Gothic Horror Story?

Below are a few general tips for writing a haunting gothic horror tale of your own.

1. Establish rules.

If your story involves a monster, a supernatural force, or some other antagonist, you need to establish rules that govern their behavior.

Is the monster repelled by garlic? Do weird things happen in the house only at a certain hour? These details, which are also considered part of worldbuilding, can help guide your story and set up a clear framework so readers can make sense of your world.

Just be sure to always follow the rules, or things will get very confusing, and your story won’t make sense to to your audience.

2. Employ the supernatural or sensational.

Gothic horror doesn’t have to make use of supernatural elements, though that is a common trademark.

What’s more important is that your writing evokes the sensation of fear, uneasiness, and the unknown. To make your story more easily recognizable as gothic horror, you might include one or several of the characteristics we outlined above (melodrama, a family secret, a haunted house, etc.).

3. Don’t be afraid of archetypes.

Archetypes aren’t necessarily clichés; while you shouldn’t rely on archetypal figures, you don’t have to run away from them, either.

For example, protagonists in gothic horror are typically virtuous and self-sacrificing, and they are motivated by love or kinship.

This archetype can be found in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, regardless of whether you view the creature or Victor Frankenstein as the protagonist.

Making use of such archetypes is another way you can help your readers make sense of your story, while also giving you an opportunity to put your fresh spin on old tropes.

4. Stick with confined settings.

Another hallmark of gothic fiction is the use of closed, small-scale settings, like a home, church, or hotel.

The story is typically personal, meaning the protagonist faces the antagonist more or less on their own; there isn’t an entire nation going to battle, or many people working together to beat the evil force.

This, combined with a smaller setting, contributes to a lonely, almost claustrophobic feeling, which heightens the sense of fear.

The Future of Gothic Fiction

Gothic horror may have gotten its start in the eighteenth century, but it’s far from dead. The success of contemporary gothic horror novels like Mexican Gothic offers proof that audiences are still hungry for a satisfying, slow-burning scare.

And as this article predicts, despite some critics citing the outdated damsel-in-distress trope, the heroines of gothic horror—who more often become masters of their own destinies—are actually the perfect protagonists for our time.

Do you have a favorite example of gothic horror? Share it with us in the comments below!

 

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