Question

Which characteristic is LEAST likely to be found in a typical Gothic novel of the late 18th and early 19th centuries?

• A. Supernatural or seemingly supernatural events
• B. A focus on psychological realism and everyday life
• C. Ancient castles, ruins, and remote locations
• D. Heroines in distress and tyrannical villains

Answer 1

Answer:

B. A focus on psychological realism and everyday life

Key Characteristics of Gothic Novels (Late 18th & Early 19th Centuries)

• Setting: Often featured desolate, decaying settings like ancient castles, remote abbeys, or large, isolated country houses. These settings were crucial for creating an atmosphere of mystery and dread.
• Supernatural Elements: A common feature included supernatural occurrences, ghosts, curses, or unexplained phenomena. These elements blurred the lines between reality and the uncanny.
• Emotional Extremes: Gothic novels emphasized intense emotions such as terror, horror, suspense, madness, and overwhelming passion. Characters often experienced heightened psychological states.
• Plot Devices: Common plot devices included damsels in distress, tyrannical villains, hidden secrets, family curses, prophecies, and often, themes of imprisonment and escape.
• Atmosphere: The primary aim was to evoke a sense of fear, unease, and the sublime. Darkness, storms, and eerie sounds contributed significantly to this atmosphere.
• Historical Context: This genre emerged during a period of social and intellectual upheaval, reflecting anxieties about the past, reason versus emotion, and the darker aspects of human nature. Key authors include Horace Walpole, Ann Radcliffe, and Matthew Lewis.
• Contrast with Realism: Unlike realism, Gothic literature did not focus on depicting everyday life or psychological nuances in a rational, observable manner. Instead, it explored the irrational, the extreme, and the mysterious.