What is Gothic Literature?

The Gothic genre began in 1764 with the publication of Horace Walpole's novel The Castle of Otranto, which is
generally considered the first gothic novel. Many elements found in Horace's novel became the standard
elements of the Gothic genre. Within Gothic literature there are themes of romance, horror, and a prevailing
atmosphere of mystery and terror. The term Gothic is a reference to the architecture of medieval buildings and
ruins, which often serve as inspiration and backdrop in gothic novels with dark and mysterious castles/manors
with subterranean passages, dark battlements, hidden panels, and trapdoors. Gothic literature generally
challenged Enlightenment principles; giving voice to irrational, horrific, and transgressive thoughts, desires, and
impulses. The golden age of Gothic literature is roughly defined as beginning in the late 18th century up to the
end of the 19th century, although its imprint can clearly be seen long past that timeframe leading into the modern
horror genre in film, literature, comics, and more.

A subset of Gothic literature is Southern Gothic literature. Starting in the early 19th century, Southern Gothic
literature evolved from the gothic literature of England and Northeast America. The United States did not have old
castles to set Gothic stories in, but after the Civil War, the many ruined or decaying plantations and mansions in
the South became locations for Gothic stories about sins and secrets. A founding figure of Southern Gothic
literature is Edgar Allen Poe, whose work influenced Southern Gothic writers of the 20th century. Common
themes of Southern Gothic include flawed or disturbed characters, grotesque situations, often stemming from
poverty, crime, violence or alienation.