z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Elder Gothic And Atwood’s Modernization Into New Forms
Author(s) -
Saman Khalid Imtiaz
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pakistan journal of gender studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2663-8886
pISSN - 2072-0394
DOI - 10.46568/pjgs.v6i1.408
Subject(s) - psyche , consciousness , romance , literature , phenomenon , paraphernalia , modernization theory , art , aesthetics , history , philosophy , psychoanalysis , psychology , law , political science , archaeology , epistemology
The article investigates how the gothic tradition of early eighteenth century has evolved into its present twentieth century form by building on its staple ingredients of awe, fear, heightened imagination, dark subterranean vaults, persecuted heroines and malevolent aristocrats. During the Romantic period the external paraphernalia of gothic devices began to be internalized, which marks the most important shift in the genre. The external markers became the internal states of the individual. The consciousness, imagination and freedom of the individual tended to be valued more than his conformation to the societal norms. The focus in the modern gothic is not on the supernatural but it operates in completely human, social and familiar world. The article reviews how Margaret Atwood, a leading Canadian author implicates gothic devices in three of her novels, Surfacing, The Edible Woman and The Lady Oracle. The most frightening gothic phenomenon which haunts Atwood’s heroines is their own psyche; their gothic and heightened imagination illustrates their desires and fears in excessive forms.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here