The American Gothic (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2021 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 2,3, University of Duisburg-Essen (Institut für Anglophone Studien), course: Introduction to American Literature, language: English, abstract: In this paper, a look will be taken at the history of Gothic narratives as a genre and its development in American literature. The main question of this treatise will be what sets Gothic literature apart from other genres and why has it been so successful until today. Specifically, the situation of American Gothic stories as one of the most important and most influential literary movements will be considered. After exploring how Gothic literature emerged during the late 18th century, a description of its development until the late 19th century will follow. A more elaborate depiction of how Gothic established itself in the new world will be given by stating the front runners of American fiction and their unique narrative techniques.

The key features and elements of Gothic literature will be listed afterwards accompanied by a detailed description of its most important concepts. To emphasize how important Gothic literature was for American fiction and how influential it still is today, the example of American author Edgar Allen Poe will illustrate the special features of Gothic literature development in America. For doing so we will take a closer look at the person of Edgar Allen Poe, his history and involvement in creating short stories and poetry. Afterwards, his influence on Gothic as a genre will be portrayed and to elaborate in more detail how his personal style of writing Gothic tales is a milestone in American literature, a deconstruction of his story "The Fall of the Houseof Usher" will follow. There key elements and concepts of his literary style will be discussed and will show how his twist of Gothic features result in him being one of the front runners of American fiction.