Gothic Literature Group

Question:


llb11
Student
High School - 11th Grade

I need infromation on the politics, ideas, and events that were behind/contributed to gothic fiction in the 18th and 19th centuries.

- Mainly tying it to the:

French Revolution

the British Whig and Torry Parties

United States

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Posted by llb11 on Monday March 16, 2009 at 5:50 AM and tagged with 18th century, 19th century, events, gothic fiction, gothic literature, ideas, politics.

Answers:


  1. troutmiller Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    The independence of America and the French revolution both played a major role in creating the Gothic style of writing.  England was losing in all directions, and many had felt so uncertain about their future.  The worries and terrors of war gave writers some great ideas for their content.  Because it was an uncertain time period, the Gothic style of writing became very popular rather quickly.  It seemed to mirror what was going on politically in the world at the time.  Many questions raced through their heads at the time:  Could evil prevail over those who are good?  Will they make it out of such harsh and scary times?  Such questions let to some interesting writings, and the style took off.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/gothic-movement/historical-context
    http://www.enotes.com/wh-encyclopedia/whig

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    Posted by troutmiller on Monday March 16, 2009 at 1:15 PM