Background In his seminal essay, “Supernatural Horror in Literature,” H.P. Lovecraft claims that “[t]he oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear.” Certainly, fear has played a powerful role in shaping the arts. As we have seen so far this semester, the literature of fear has a rich history and continues to play a significant role in modern culture, and we can trace many contemporary horror tropes, themes, and styles to the Gothic tradition. Continuing this examination will be your task for this project.

QUESTION

Background In his seminal essay, “Supernatural Horror in Literature,” H.P. Lovecraft claims that “[t]he oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear.” Certainly, fear has played a powerful role in shaping the arts. As we have seen so far this semester, the literature of fear has a rich history and continues to play a significant role in modern culture, and we can trace many contemporary horror tropes, themes, and styles to the Gothic tradition. Continuing this examination will be your task for this project.

The Assignment For this essay, you will conduct individual research in order to respond to the question: How has the Gothic tradition influenced modern horror?

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Background In his seminal essay, “Supernatural Horror in Literature,” H.P. Lovecraft claims that “[t]he oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear.” Certainly, fear has played a powerful role in shaping the arts. As we have seen so far this semester, the literature of fear has a rich history and continues to play a significant role in modern culture, and we can trace many contemporary horror tropes, themes, and styles to the Gothic tradition. Continuing this examination will be your task for this project.
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This is a broad question, so in order to craft an effective essay, you will have to narrow your focus and examine specific examples. Select at least one work of horror (short story, poem, novel, or film) to analyze. Through your research you will examine how the text you chose demonstrates the way contemporary horror responds to, evolves, or challenges the Gothic tradition and/or specific Gothic texts.

Is We Have Always Lived in the Castle a haunted house story? What does it mean for a house to be haunted, and how does Shirley Jackson build on or challenge the Gothic tradition in this novel? Remember, you may also find other primary texts on your own, and you may also make comparisons between modern texts and classic Gothic texts (either that we have read or that you find on your own). Some places to look for other texts that you can read for free include:

Nightmare Magazine (Links to an external site.) (for contemporary short horror fiction) Kanopy (for films, accessed through the library databases; first, create your individual account) Project Gutenberg (Links to an external site.) (for classic Gothic short stories, poetry, and novels in the public domain) Professor Parypinski (for personalized reading recommendations) The Research This essay will require substantial research in order to create an informed argument about your chosen text(s) that demonstrates awareness of what other scholars have said about your topic. You must include cited information (quotation and paraphrase) from at least 6 sources (including the primary text(s) you are analyzing). Your research will involve both primary and secondary sources.

Primary Sources include original literary texts and works of art (novels, short stories, poetry, films, etc.), as well as any historical documents from the time period in which the work was created (letters, diary entries, news articles, etc.). Secondary Sources include scholarly books and articles about the literary work, historical information written after the time period in question, and biographies. Assignment Requirements Your essay should be at least 8 full double-spaced pages with 1” side margins, 1” header and footer margins, Times New Roman, 12 pt font. Your introduction should include a thesis that gives your readers a main claim or guiding idea specific to your focus, which will be developed throughout. Your essay must include direction quotations from your chosen contemporary text and should include summary where relevant. It must also include cited references (quotation and/or paraphrase) of at least 5 sources that you have found in your research. Cite all sources in MLA format (in text), in addition to a Works Cited page. Use Purdue OWL (linked on Canvas) to look up proper MLA in-text citations and Works Cited formatting. Proofread for mistakes and edit for clarity. Consider paragraph organization and appropriate transitions to lead your reader through your discussion.

ANSWER

The Gothic Influence on Modern Horror: A Study of “We Have Always Lived in the Castle”

Introduction

The Gothic tradition has been a significant influence on the evolution of horror literature and film, shaping the way contemporary works respond to, challenge, and build upon its themes and styles. In this essay, we will explore the haunting aspects of Shirley Jackson’s novel, “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” and analyze how it both adheres to and subverts the conventions of the Gothic tradition. By examining the notion of a haunted house, we will delve into the deeper meanings behind haunting and explore how Jackson’s novel contributes to the development of modern horror.

The Haunted House Trope and Its Significance

The haunted house is a staple in Gothic literature, serving as a physical embodiment of terror, decay, and psychological unrest. Within the Gothic tradition, a haunted house symbolizes a site of unresolved trauma, secrets, and hidden histories. It reflects the anxieties and fears of the characters, as well as the societal issues prevalent during the time of its creation.

In “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” Shirley Jackson utilizes the concept of a haunted house in a nuanced and unconventional manner. Instead of a decrepit mansion or a desolate castle, the house in question is the Blackwood family’s residence, referred to as Blackwood Manor. Jackson skillfully constructs an atmosphere of unease and mystery within the house, imbuing it with a sense of isolation and claustrophobia. The house becomes a central character in the narrative, influencing the psychological landscape of its inhabitants.

Building upon the Gothic Tradition

While Jackson’s novel embraces elements of the Gothic tradition, it also challenges and subverts them in significant ways. One of the primary aspects she explores is the role of the haunted house as a symbol of repressed trauma and social critique. In the case of Blackwood Manor, the haunting is not caused by supernatural entities but by the lingering effects of a family tragedy and the weight of societal judgment.

Jackson’s protagonist, Merricat Blackwood, epitomizes the Gothic heroine, with her isolation, eccentricities, and connection to the supernatural. However, rather than succumbing to the victimization often associated with Gothic heroines, Merricat takes agency and becomes the architect of her own haunting. She deliberately perpetuates an aura of fear and exclusion, acting as a guardian of the family secrets and challenging the societal norms that have marginalized her family.

Furthermore, Jackson’s exploration of the psychological aspect of haunting goes beyond the traditional supernatural interpretation. The haunted house becomes a manifestation of the characters’ internal fears, guilt, and paranoia. Through her masterful prose, Jackson delves into the depths of the human psyche, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the pages are turned.

Contemporary Relevance and Influence

“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” stands as a testament to the lasting influence of the Gothic tradition on modern horror. Its exploration of the haunted house trope and its subversion of traditional Gothic elements continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.

In recent years, the novel has inspired a resurgence of interest in psychological horror and domestic gothic fiction. Its themes of isolation, family secrets, and the destructive power of societal judgment find echoes in works such as Gillian Flynn’s “Sharp Objects” and the critically acclaimed film “Hereditary.” These modern creations draw upon the psychological depth and emotional impact of “We Have Always Lived in the Castle,” reinvigorating the Gothic tradition for a new generation.

Conclusion

Shirley Jackson’s “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” exemplifies the enduring influence of the Gothic tradition on modern horror. By reimagining the haunted house trope and exploring the psychological nuances of haunting, Jackson challenges and expands upon the conventions of the genre. Her novel serves as a testament to the timeless power of fear in literature and its ability to captivate and disturb readers. As contemporary horror continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the Gothic tradition, perpetuating the rich legacy of this genre for years to come.

References 

Jackson, Shirley. “We Have Always Lived in the Castle.” Penguin Classics, 2006. https://www.amazon.com/Always-Castle-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe/dp/0143039970 

Flynn, Gillian. “Sharp Objects.” Broadway Books, 2007. https://www.broadwaybooks.net/book/9780307341556 

Aster, Ari. “Hereditary.” PalmStar Media, 2018. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7784604/ 

 

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