Romantic and Gothic Novels Overview

Study Notes

The Romantic Novel

The novel was the most popular form of fiction by the late 18th century
The era was marked by various trends: Gothic, Novel of Manners, Novel of Purpose, and Historical Novel
Romantic novels shared common traits: deeper psychological analysis of characters, dialogue as a significant tool for character development, and exploration of social issues and class dynamics.

The Gothic Novel

The term "Gothic" has multiple connotations: medieval architecture (12th-14th centuries), a contrast to classicism, and something wild, supernatural, and mysterious.
Gothic novels aim to evoke feelings of fear, danger, and terror in the reader.
They are connected to the concept of the sublime, where fear is the strongest emotion, fueled by obscurity and mystery.
Gothic novels often feature ancient settings like castles, abbeys, and convents with hidden passages, underground cellars, and secret rooms.
Catholic countries are often portrayed as settings for terrible crimes, likely influenced by Protestant biases.
Darkness is crucial to the mysterious and gloomy atmosphere, with significant events often unfolding at night.
Terror (characterized by obscurity and uncertainty) and horror (driven by evil and atrocity) play a significant role.
Gothic heroes are typically isolated, often involuntarily.
Heroines are often plagued by unreal terrors and persecuted by villains.
The outcast in many Gothic tales symbolizes isolation, wandering the earth in perpetual exile as a form of divine punishment.
Supernatural beings such as monsters, witches, vampires, and ghosts contribute to the suspense and mystery.
Notable Gothic novels include "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole, "The Mysteries of Udolfo" by Ann Radcliffe, and "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley.
Edgar Allan Poe drew inspiration from the Gothic tradition, exploring the dark side of the human mind in his short stories and focusing on themes of horror, mystery, and the supernatural.

The Novel of Manners

Jane Austen is considered the master of the novel of manners.
The novel of manners focuses on the analysis of social conventions, class distinctions, and the way people interact within a specific social setting.
The setting is typically a rural, upper-class environment with an emphasis on wealthy characters and their interactions.
The novel examines themes like marriage, the complexities of love, and friendship.
Dialogue plays a central role, especially as a tool for irony.
Feelings and emotions are expressed subtly, not directly.

The Novel of Purpose and Mary Shelley

The novel of purpose aims to propagate philosophical or political ideas and raise awareness about particular themes or issues.
Mary Shelley is a leading figure in this genre, particularly known for her work "Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus."
"Frankenstein" can be seen as a Romantic reinterpretation of the myth of Prometheus, who was punished for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity.
Frankenstein, through the creation of life, becomes a God-like figure.