What is the general time frame of gothic novel?
Well, the gothic novel generally began around the 1760s. It was a time when there was a growing interest in the sublime, the mysterious, and the terrifying. And it remained a prominent genre until the late 19th century. During this time, gothic novels often explored themes such as haunted castles, supernatural elements, and damsels in distress. Writers like Horace Walpole with his 'The Castle of Otranto' in 1764 were among the first to start this trend. Then many other authors followed suit, and the genre evolved over the course of these decades.
The gothic novel typically has a time frame that started in the latter part of the 18th century. It was an era of new ideas and changing sensibilities. Gothic novels often had a backdrop of old, decaying mansions or castles. They thrived during the 19th century as well. This time frame was important as it coincided with the Romantic period in literature. The Romantic movement's focus on emotion, nature, and the individual influenced the gothic genre. Gothic novels during this time frame were used to explore the darker aspects of human nature, the unknown, and the power of the past. For example, Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' in 1818 was a significant gothic work of this era, dealing with themes like creation, isolation, and the consequences of playing God.