The American Gothic

Edgar Allan Poe as an Example of Classic Themes and Features

Term Paper , 2021 , 14 Pages , Grade: 2,3

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Genre of Gothic Literature and its History
  • Gothic Literature in America
  • Key Features and Elements
• A Case Study: Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)
  • Gothic Literature and Poe's Work
• Deconstructing Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper delves into the history of Gothic narratives as a genre and its evolution in American literature. It aims to explore the defining characteristics of Gothic literature, analyzing why it has endured as a successful and influential genre. Specifically, the paper focuses on American Gothic stories as a prominent and impactful literary movement.

• The emergence and development of Gothic literature during the late 18th and 19th centuries.
• The establishment of Gothic literature in the American context and the contributions of key American authors.
• The key features and elements of Gothic literature, including its unique concepts and techniques.
• The influence of Edgar Allan Poe on the development of American Gothic literature and his unique style.
• The significance of Gothic literature in American fiction and its enduring relevance.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of Gothic literature and its development in American literature. It outlines the paper's main research questions and provides a brief overview of the content to be covered in subsequent chapters.
• The Genre of Gothic Literature and its History: This chapter explores the origins and evolution of Gothic literature, tracing its roots back to post-medieval England. It discusses key influences, such as Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," and examines the genre's central concepts and themes.
• Gothic Literature in America: This chapter analyzes the emergence and development of Gothic literature in America. It explores the reasons for its popularity in the New World and examines the contributions of key American authors like Charles Brockden Brown, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allan Poe.
• A Case Study: Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849): This chapter focuses on the work of Edgar Allan Poe as a prominent example of American Gothic literature. It explores Poe's life, his contributions to Gothic literature, and his unique writing style.
• Deconstructing Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher": This chapter analyzes Poe's short story "The Fall of the House of Usher" as a case study of his Gothic style. It identifies and discusses key elements and concepts, highlighting Poe's innovative use of Gothic tropes and techniques.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper focuses on the genre of Gothic literature, its historical development, key features, and significance in American fiction. It examines the contributions of influential American authors, including Edgar Allan Poe, and analyzes the unique characteristics of American Gothic narratives. Key terms and concepts include: Gothic literature, American Gothic, horror, suspense, supernatural, dark themes, atmospheric gloom, psychological exploration, Poe, "The Fall of the House of Usher", literary style, genre development.

• College: University of Duisburg-Essen (Institut für Anglophone Studien)
• Course: Introduction to American Literature
• Grade: 2,3
• Author: Dominik Kruczinski (Author)
• Publication Year: 2021
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V1224586
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346651266
• ISBN (Book): 9783346651273
• Language: English
• Tags: american, gothic, edgar, allan, example, classic, themes, features, poe, edgar allan poe, american gothic, novel, english literature, american literature, english, literature, narratives, prose, history, genre, story, stories, 18th century, development, 19th century, fiction, american fiction, narrative techniques, key features, short stories, the fall of the house of usher