Gothic Fiction is struggles and conflicts. It may be largely dominated by its sub genre, Gothic horror, but this genre is equally dominated by romanticism. The name Gothic refers to the medieval buildings in which many of these stories take place. This extreme form of romanticism was very popular in England and Germany. I exhibit a list of books down here in this genre I think you should take a look.
Frankenstein tells the story of committed science student Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but; upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creature’s hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns to evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein.
THE MONK by Matthew Gregory Lewis was first published in 1796. It is an early gothic novel and despite being written over two hundred years ago, now considered under the classification of classic, it is a real page turner. This book has many typical elements of Gothic Fiction, and is a daring tale written accordance to time in which it is published due to the themes of murder, rape, incest, violence, torture, and can be a reason why Lewis was charged for blasphemy.
A brooding Yorkshire tale of a love that is stronger than death, it is also a fierce vision of metaphysical passion, in which heaven and hell, nature and society, are powerfully juxtaposed. Unique, mystical, with a timeless appeal, it has become a classic of English literature.
An intriguing combination of fantasy thriller and moral allegory, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde depicts the gripping struggle of two opposing personalities – one essentially good, the other evil – for the soul of one man. Its tingling suspense and intelligent and sensitive portrayal of man’s dual nature reveals Stevenson as a writer of great skill.
A true masterwork of storytelling, Dracula has transcended generation, language, and culture to become one of the most popular novels ever written. It is a quintessential tale of suspense and horror, boasting one of the most terrifying characters ever born in literature: Count Dracula, a tragic, night-dwelling specter who feeds upon the blood of the living, and whose diabolical passions prey upon the innocent, the helpless, and the beautiful
Great list! Somehow I’very never read The Monk, but I definitely will.
It’s a good one.
Agreed. I own many of these myself simply for their intrigue, raw storytelling elements and intrigue. They really draw you in.
True, they do.
If I might add to your list, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux.
I haven’t read both of them, probably in the next list.
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I’ve actually only read Frankensteinn, but it has had such an impact on my life and writing. I consider myself a goth, so Gothic litetature has been a staple and foundation for me. Dracula is on my Goodread’s list, and I’ll have to add these others!
Dracula is less Gothic novel then Frankenstein. Descriptions of landscape are gothic but overall novel is not. Other gothic novel to be read is Wuthering Heights.
This is a great list. I’ve read ‘Wuthering Heights’ and really enjoyed. I have been meaning to read the rest of your list.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
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