The themes of Gothic literature monster stories usually include fear and horror. The monsters are there to scare the readers or the characters in the story. A sense of mystery also pervades these stories. We don't fully understand the monsters at first. Take Frankenstein's monster for instance. It's a creation full of mystery, and its appearance brings fear to everyone it encounters. And there's often a theme of the supernatural. The monsters usually have some sort of supernatural powers that go against the natural order of things.
Well, in Gothic literature monster stories, a frequent theme is the concept of the Other. Monsters are seen as the Other, something different from the norm. This can be related to society's fears of those who are different. Gothic stories also often have a theme of decay. The settings might be decaying castles or towns, which mirror the moral or physical decay associated with the presence of monsters. Additionally, there is the theme of power and powerlessness. The monsters are powerful entities that often make the human characters feel powerless.
One common theme is the struggle between good and evil. The monsters often represent evil, while the human characters strive to combat or overcome them. Another theme is the exploration of the unknown. Gothic monster stories usually take place in spooky, mysterious settings like old castles or haunted forests, which adds to the sense of the unknown.
Isolation is also prevalent. Many gothic short stories are set in remote locations like old castles or desolate mansions, which adds to the sense of unease. For example, in 'The Fall of the House of Usher', the Usher family is cut off from the outside world in their decaying mansion. This isolation can also be psychological, as seen in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the narrator is isolated not just physically but also mentally.
Forbidden love is a very common theme. In gothic erotica, it could be a love between a human and a supernatural being like a vampire or a werewolf. This love is often against the norms of society, adding an element of danger and excitement.
Isolation is a common theme. Gay characters in gothic stories are often isolated due to their sexual orientation in a society that may not accept them, much like the typical gothic outcast. For example, in many stories, they might be shunned by their families or communities, and this isolation is further emphasized by the gothic settings such as a lonely castle or an abandoned house.
One common theme is the supernatural. For example, in many gothic short stories, there are ghosts or otherworldly creatures. Another theme is the decay of old buildings and families. It gives a sense of gloom and the passing of time. Also, madness often features, like a character going insane due to some dark family secret or a haunting experience.
Gothic fiction stories frequently deal with themes of decay. This can be the decay of a building, like a dilapidated old church with crumbling walls, which also symbolizes the decay of society or a person's moral state. Darkness, both literal and metaphorical, is another theme. It creates an atmosphere of mystery and unease. And then there's the theme of the femme fatale, a dangerous and alluring female character who often leads the male protagonist into trouble.
One of the common themes is the decay of the old world. In many ghost gothic stories, there are old mansions or castles that are falling apart. This represents the passing of an era and the fear of the unknown future. Isolation is also a theme. The characters are often alone in spooky places, which adds to the sense of fear and unease. And madness is another theme, as the characters sometimes go crazy due to the strange events they experience.
One common theme is the idea of forbidden love. In gothic love stories, the lovers often face obstacles such as social class differences, family feuds, or supernatural elements that make their relationship taboo. Another theme is the presence of dark and mysterious settings. These settings, like old castles or haunted mansions, add to the atmosphere of the love story. Also, there is often a sense of doom or tragedy. The lovers may be fated to be apart or face a tragic end, which creates a sense of melancholy and longing.
Gothic literature monster stories influence modern horror in multiple ways. Firstly, the psychological aspect. Gothic stories delved into the characters' fears and nightmares, and modern horror does the same. It makes the audience feel the same kind of dread. Secondly, the visual elements. The dark and gloomy aesthetics of Gothic literature are carried over. We see this in the use of low - light, shadowy scenes in modern horror films. Also, the character archetypes like the mad scientist from Frankenstein are still used today in modern horror stories.
One common theme is the supernatural. For example, ghosts or vampires often appear in these stories, like in 'Carmilla'. Another theme is isolation. The characters are usually in some sort of isolated place, such as a spooky old mansion, as in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'.