The genre of Gothic became one of the most popular of the late 18th and early 19th century, and the novel usually regarded as the first Gothic novel is Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto", first published in 1764. The first great practitioner of the Gothic novel, as well as the most popular novelist of the eighteenth century in England, was Ann Radcliffe. She added suspense, painted evocative landscapes and moods or atmosphere, portrayed increasingly complex, fascinatingly-horrifying, evil villains, and focused on the heroine and her struggle with the male tyrant. Her work "The Italian" (1797) have the ability to thrill and enthrall readers.
Inspired by Radcliffe, a more sensational type of Gothic romance, exploiting horror and violence, flourished in Germany and was introduced to England by Matthew Gregory Lewis with "The Monk" (1796). The novel follows the lust-driven monk Ambrosio from one abominable act to another – rape, incest, matricide, burial alive – to his death and well-deserved damnation.
The different schools, which are Female Gothic represented by Radcliffe and Male Gothic represented by Lewis, are distinguished by some critics as novel of terror and novel of horror. Sometimes this same distinction is tied to gender, with female equated with terror Gothic, and with male being equated with horror Gothic because both female and male writers can produce female and male Gothic.
In this paper, I will explain the characteristics of the Female Gothic and the Male Gothic and the difference between these genres, more specifically by focusing on the function of gender and the characterization of the main characters in Ann Radcliffe’s "The Italian" and Matthew Lewis "The Monk". This is followed by the conclusion, in which the findings of this research will be laid out.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The Female and Male Gothic genre
- 2.1 The Female Gothic
- 2.2 The Male Gothic
- 2.3 Terror vs. Horror: The distinction between the two gothic genres
- 3 The Function of Gender in selected Gothic Novels
- 3.1 The role of gender in Ann Radcliffe's The Italian
- 3.1.1 The characterization of the heroine
- 3.1.2 The characterization of the (hero-)villain
- 3.2 The role of gender in Matthew Lewis's The Monk
- 3.2.1 The image of women
- 3.2.2 The characterization of the female character Matilda
- 4 Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the characteristics of the Female and Male Gothic genres, focusing on the function of gender and characterization in Ann Radcliffe's The Italian and Matthew Lewis's The Monk. It examines the distinctions between these genres, particularly the concepts of terror and horror, and how they relate to gender representation.
- The differences between Female and Male Gothic genres.
- The function of gender in shaping the narrative and characterization within Gothic novels.
- The contrasting representations of women in Female and Male Gothic.
- The exploration of terror and horror as distinct elements within Gothic fiction.
- Analysis of specific character portrayals in The Italian and The Monk.
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of Gothic fiction, highlighting its popularity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It introduces Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto as the first Gothic novel and Ann Radcliffe as a significant figure in the genre, emphasizing her contributions to suspense, atmosphere, and the portrayal of complex villains. The chapter then introduces Matthew Gregory Lewis and his more sensational approach to Gothic horror, exemplified by The Monk. The distinction between "Female Gothic" (represented by Radcliffe) and "Male Gothic" (represented by Lewis), often characterized as "novel of terror" versus "novel of horror," is briefly discussed, leading into the paper's focus on the function of gender in selected novels.
2 The Female and Male Gothic genre: This chapter delves into the definitions and characteristics of Female and Male Gothic. It explores Ellen Moers's coinage of the term "Female Gothic," discussing its multifaceted meaning as both a designation of female authorship and an expression of women's fears of societal and bodily constraints. The chapter analyzes differing perspectives on whether Female Gothic constitutes a distinct genre, noting the variety of terms used to describe it. Key conventions of Female Gothic are outlined, including the portrayal of the heroine as both victim and hero, narrative themes involving mothers and daughters, and the eventual rational explanation of supernatural elements, often culminating in a happy ending. In contrast, the chapter describes the "Male Gothic," its association with a more unrestrained depiction of horror and the supernatural, its negative representation of women, and its often ambiguous or unsettling conclusions. The contrasting approaches to the supernatural and the portrayal of women are central to this discussion.
3 The Function of Gender in selected Gothic Novels: This chapter provides detailed analyses of the role of gender in Ann Radcliffe's The Italian and Matthew Lewis's The Monk. It examines the characterization of the heroines and villains in both novels, contrasting their portrayals and exploring how gender influences their actions, motivations, and experiences within the narratives. The chapter will delve into how the representation of women differs across these two texts, reflecting the distinctions between the Female and Male Gothic.
Keywords
Female Gothic, Male Gothic, Gothic fiction, Ann Radcliffe, Matthew Lewis, The Italian, The Monk, gender, terror, horror, characterization, narrative, patriarchy, supernatural, women's writing.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall focus of this academic paper?
This paper explores the characteristics of the Female and Male Gothic genres, focusing on the function of gender and characterization in Ann Radcliffe's The Italian and Matthew Lewis's The Monk. It examines the distinctions between these genres, particularly the concepts of terror and horror, and how they relate to gender representation.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the differences between Female and Male Gothic genres; the function of gender in shaping narrative and characterization; contrasting representations of women in both genres; the exploration of terror and horror as distinct elements; and analysis of specific character portrayals in The Italian and The Monk.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: An introduction providing context and outlining the key distinctions between Female and Male Gothic; a chapter defining and characterizing Female and Male Gothic; a chapter analyzing the role of gender in The Italian and The Monk; and a concluding chapter. A table of contents provides a detailed outline of the sub-sections within each chapter.
How does the paper define "Female Gothic" and "Male Gothic"?
The paper explores existing definitions and characteristics of both. Female Gothic is associated with female authorship, themes of societal and bodily constraints for women, the portrayal of the heroine as both victim and hero, and the eventual rational explanation of supernatural elements. Male Gothic is associated with unrestrained horror, negative representation of women, and ambiguous or unsettling conclusions.
Which novels are analyzed in detail, and what aspects are examined?
The paper focuses on Ann Radcliffe's The Italian and Matthew Lewis's The Monk. The analysis examines the characterization of heroines and villains, contrasting their portrayals and exploring how gender influences their actions, motivations, and experiences within the narratives.
What is the distinction between "terror" and "horror" in the context of the paper?
The paper explores this distinction as it relates to the differences between Female and Male Gothic. While the precise definitions are not explicitly laid out, the implication is that terror is more associated with suspense and psychological dread (Female Gothic), while horror involves a more visceral and explicit presentation of the gruesome (Male Gothic).
What are the key words associated with the paper's topic?
Key words include Female Gothic, Male Gothic, Gothic fiction, Ann Radcliffe, Matthew Lewis, The Italian, The Monk, gender, terror, horror, characterization, narrative, patriarchy, supernatural, and women's writing.
What is the intended audience for this paper?
The paper is intended for an academic audience interested in Gothic literature, gender studies, and literary analysis.
Where can I find more information about the Female and Male Gothic genres?
The paper provides a starting point for exploring these genres. Further research could involve exploring the works of Ann Radcliffe and Matthew Lewis, as well as secondary scholarship on Gothic literature and gender studies.
- Quote paper
- Angela Leonardi (Author), 2016, The Function of Gender in Female and Male Gothic, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/351794
