Gothic horror is a genre of literature which combines horror and romance.
The effect of Gothic fiction feeds on a pleasing sort of terror, an extension of Romantic literary pleasures.
Early 19th century was an era of political and social unrest in britain.
Advances in science and exploration.
The british empire became the worlds leading power controlling one quarter of the worlds population.
Era of invention and discovery, with significant developments in the fields of mathematics, physics chemistry biology electricity. The industrial revolution begun in britain.
Slavery reduced
Advances in medicine
The Gothic Setting Of Frankenstein
One of the most important aspects of any gothic novel is setting. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein is an innovative and disturbing work of misery, dread, and remorse that exemplifies what a gothic novel should be. Shelly reveals the story of a man's thirst for knowledge which leads to a monstrous creature that goes against the laws of nature and natural order. Victor Frankenstein, in disgust, abandons his creation who is shunned by all who meet him, yet still feels and wants affection and love. The monster then seeks revenge for his life of isolation and misery. The setting can bring about these feelings of loneliness, sadness, and despair. Shelly's writing shows how the dramatic and gothic settings of Frankenstein can create the atmosphere of the novel and can also effect the actions of Frankenstein and his monster as they go on their seemingly endless chase where the hunter becomes the hunted.
Dark and dramatic moments stand out as the most gothic in the novel. The setting sets the atmosphere and creates the mood. The dreary night of November where the monster is given life is a perfect example of where Shelly uses gothic elements. Victor recites the following: “It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the pains, and my candle was
nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the...