THE GOTHIC TRADITION IN VICTORIAN LITERATURE: EVOLUTION AND ADAPTATION
Keywords:
Victorian gothic, gothic tradition, Victorian literature, psychological horror, urban gothic, science and superstition, gender roles in gothic, gothic motifs, 19th-century literature, gothic revival, Bram stoker, Robert louis Stevenson.Abstract
This article examines the evolution and adaptation of the Gothic tradition in Victorian literature, highlighting how Victorian authors transformed classic Gothic motifs to reflect the social, psychological, and cultural anxieties of the 19th century. It explores key themes such as psychological horror, urban Gothic settings, the conflict between science and superstition, gender roles, and the symbolism of decay. The discussion includes notable works and writers like Dracula, Wuthering Heights, and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, emphasizing the genre’s ongoing relevance and versatility in addressing Victorian concerns and fears.
References
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