If you’re drawn to eerie atmospheres, haunting settings, and dark psychological themes, note that Gothic literature has long been a go-to for the ones who crave stories rooted in mystery and shadows. Gothicism could be defined as a fiction genre involving horror, mystery, and the supernatural to create a fearful atmosphere. This genre has long been a part of literature, especially gaining popularity in the 18th century. It has continued to flourish through the 19th century, with authors like Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Bram Stoker registering its lasting impact in the field of literature.
From crumbling mansions and ghostly apparitions to tortured characters and moral dilemmas, Gothic fiction masterfully blends dread, romance (at times), and the macabre. So, if you’re ready to get lost unraveling the mysteries lurking in dark corners, here are five literary gems guaranteed to present you with absolute gothicism and dark aesthetics. Read till the end to know about each of them…
Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe (1604)
First on our list is the Elizabethan tragedy play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. It was published in 1604 but premiered about a decade ago in 1592. The play involves a deep exploration of ambition, knowledge, and the human condition. It follows the story of Dr. Faustus, a highly educated scholar who becomes disillusioned with how limited the traditional forms of knowledge are. He, therefore, decides to turn to necromancy in pursuit of greater power and understanding. In a tragic pact with the devil, selling his soul, Faustus exchanges it for 24 years of limitless knowledge and earthly pleasures, only to find himself ensnared in despair and regret as the play progresses.
The themes of hubris, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the eternal struggle between good and evil are very well discovered in this work. Faustus grapples with his choices and the haunting reality of his fate and the way it is portrayed in the play can likely give you continued goosebumps. This morality play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overreaching and the quest for forbidden knowledge.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley makes it to the second position on our list. Published on 1st January 1818, it is a groundbreaking novel that explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the quest for knowledge through a Gothic lens. The story follows the character of Victor Frankenstein who is a young scientist. He becomes obsessed with the idea of animating lifeless matter. After an endless pursuit of knowledge, he is successful in creating a sentient creature. He is initially horrified by its monstrous appearance and later on, ends up abandoning it. As the creature grapples with isolation and rejection, it seeks revenge on its creator, leading to a vicious cycle of violence and despair.
Through this work, Shelley has delved into the ethical implications of scientific exploration and the consequences of playing with God by raising profound questions about the nature of humanity and the responsibility that comes with creation. Thus, Frankenstein is not just a tale of horror but a poignant reflection on the duality of man. This very humanity is both capable of profound creation and devastating destruction. As a major work in Gothicism, this one invites readers to ponder the limitations of ambition and the moral dilemmas that are associated with the pursuit of knowledge.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847)
Another masterpiece of Gothicism and one of the most intense explorations of passion, romance, and revenge in literature is the 1847 novel named Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. This novel tells the story of the complex and destructive relationship between Heathcliff, a brooding orphan, and Catherine Earnshaw, whose love for him is fierce as well as doomed. Set in the isolated and windswept Yorkshire moors, the novel’s bleak landscape is symbolic of the emotional turmoil its characters go through.
The narrative of this novel is filled with obsession and vengeance. For instance, Heathcliff’s love for Catherine turns into a drive for revenge after she chooses to marry another man. His cruelty extends across generations, affecting both families that inhabit Wuthering Heights and the neighboring Thrushcross Grange. Ghosts, madness, and the haunting presence of the past pervade throughout the novel, adding to its dark ambiance. Brontë’s novel has often been reckoned ahead of its time in its portrayal of raw, elemental emotions and moral ambiguity. These continued to challenge Victorian ideals of romance and therefore, the novel remains a powerful study of love’s ability to both uplift and destroy, making it an important work in the Gothic tradition.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (1890)
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, published in 1890 makes it next on our list. This novel is a compelling exploration of aestheticism, morality, and the duality of human nature. Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, the book critiques societal norms and explores the tension between appearance and reality. The novel follows the young and beautiful Dorian Gray, who becomes obsessed with his portrait painted by artist Basil Hallward. Dorian wishes he could remain young forever while the picture bears the marks of his age and sin. Gradually, as Dorian becomes involved in a life of excess, sensual pleasures, and moral corruption, the portrait turns into a grotesque reflection of his deteriorating soul that bears the repercussions of his actions.
Wilde’s rich prose and sharp wit combine to create a vivid narrative that raises questions about the nature of beauty, the pursuit of pleasure, and the consequences of living a life that is not ethical in any manner. The Picture of Dorian Gray stands as a haunting reminder of the dangers of vanity as well as the cost of a life lived solely for aesthetic gratification.
Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)
Originally published on 26 May 1897, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is an epistolary novel and is widely regarded as a pioneering work in modern horror and vampire mythology. This work centers around Count Dracula, a mysterious and malevolent vampire from Transylvania who seeks to spread his undead curse to England. The tale unfolds through a series of letters, journal entries, and newspaper clippings, giving rise to immediacy and suspense gradually as the characters try to piece together the threat Dracula poses. At its core, Dracula explores themes of fear, the unknown, and the opposition between good and evil. The novel’s dark atmosphere is heightened by its eerie settings- taking from Dracula’s crumbling castle in the Carpathian Mountains to the fog-shrouded streets of London.
Stoker has also been credited for masterfully weaving together the elements of folklore, superstition, and modern science, as the protagonists attempt to stop Dracula’s reign of terror. The character of Count Dracula embodies the fear of the other and the supernatural, meanwhile also portraying Victorian anxieties regarding sexuality, invasion, and degeneration. Dracula can be termed as a richly atmospheric novel that not only defines the modern vampire myth but also delves into deeper psychological and societal concerns. Its nail-biting narrative and Gothic elements continue to captivate readers and shape horror fiction to date.
Concluding Notes!
To conclude, the above-listed five literary works embody the essence of dark aesthetics, drawing readers into worlds where beauty and terror combine. Each of these novels explores profound themes like obsession, morality, and the supernatural, often portraying a battle between the good and the evil. Set against hauntingly atmospheric backdrops that enhance their emotional depth, Gothicism’s allure lies in its power to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche, which continues to make these books timeless and awe-rousing.
Jennis Jacob, a passionate literary enthusiast in her 20s, is a writer and poet. With eight years of experience in literature, she is currently a master in English and finds inspiration in Womanist, American, and Indian Partition Literatures. Her works have appeared in anthologies such as ‘Carved Words Of Creative Minds’ and ‘100 Splendid Voices,’ and she is working on upcoming books. Through LitWithASip, she aims to ignite a love for literature and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.
