Myths and heroes, The Gothic Tradition

Myths and heroes[pic 1]

THE GOTHIC TRADITION

INTRODUCTION

I’m going to present the notion "Myths and heroes", oriented towards the question of the characters of Gothic literatures and films.

The myth refers to fabulous and symbolic stories from the oral heritage of communities, or a tradition. These mythical characters are admired for their achievements, such as mythological figures, superheroes, models or icons. The study of myths makes it possible to understand how myths are constructed and interpreted according to time and space.

I’m going to answer the following question : How have romantic ideas and scientific experiments given birth to Gothic literature and films ?

Consequently, I will follow a plan in three parts. First, I will explain the characteristics of Gothic fiction, I will then talk about two mythical characters and I will finally show how the Gothic tradition can be found in films.

I – The characteristics of Gothic fiction

Born in 1764 with Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto, Gothic literature combines horror and romance.

We can see the many characteristics necessary for the construction of a Gothic fiction.

Concerning the characters, there are always a helpless victim confronted by a cruel torturer, who is associated with evil with immense or supernatural powers. And the victim is fascinated by the power of his victimizer.

Moreover, the story takes place in the Nordic countries, where it's very early and cold in extreme landscapes, such as high mountains, thick forests or icy wastelands. More precisely, the plot is  happening usually in a castle, ruined or intact, haunted or not, with underground passages, crypts, catacombs or cemeteries.

These sittings are very important because they allow to create an oppressive atmosphere, created by the shadows, the moonlight in the dark or flickering candles.

And suspense is created by this sense of mystery, darkness, fear and doom.

Finally, horrific or terrifying events are happening or are to be feared. Magical or supernatural manifestations occur.

II – Two mythical

The 19th century is marked by many invocations on the artistic and intellectual scale. Horace Walpole creates a new literary genre, the Gothic novel, inspired by romantic ideas that emphasize the expression of personal feelings about reason and imaginary creation. And from there, were born some mythical characters

Let's take the example of Dracula published in 1897 by Bram Stoker. He was influenced by the Irish tales of his childhood and by many researches on European folklore. One night, he had a nightmare about a living-dead man who ate  human beings. We can see that this passage, which is the first meeting between Count Dracul and Jonathan Hanker, a traveler who came to the castle, is typical of Gothic literature. Indeed, the castle is on the edge of a precipice, the corridors are dark and the doors locked. The description of Count Dracula is also very important because he is the mythical character. He is particular, fascinated by the blood, he has a strange behavior and he has supernatural power, such as no reflexion in the mirror. Jonathan is the helpless innocent. All these elements lead to the creation of an oppressive atmosphere, a sense of fear and mystery.

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