Why does the Gothic genre earn its label as Bold and Experimental?
There are several reasons why the Gothic novelists are daring in their content and style statement, ranging from its historical emergence to its continuous dallying with unconventional themes and techniques.
Historically, gothic literature grew in the late 18th century, dominated by Neoclassicism’s more rational and restrained sensibilities. It was the rebellious spirit of the time.
- By delving deep into the mysteries of existence, the dark psyche of the human mind, the social taboos, and exploring the macabre, Gothic works like Horace Walpole’s “The Castle of Otranto” were a stark departure from the established literary norms.
- They embed social criticism within the genre and deal with the issues of real-life horrors, including racism and sexism which are the two dominant unconventional themes in my upcoming Modern Gothic Horror book.
- Though dates back to the mid-20th century, my novel explores the social alienation of my resilient and bold, tribal heroine, Zira. The dark-skinned, fascinating girl from the heart of the purple forest evolves among the fair-skinned Anglo-Indians, serving the wealthy aristocrats for thirty-three years.
- Her forbidden love with the Byronic hero, Neil Long raises the question of sexism and moral dilemma in a claustrophobic mansion that reeks of crimes and mental disorientation.
- Pushing Boundaries
- The Gothic genre blurs the line between reality and the fantastical by embracing the Irrational, Supernatural, Romantic, Uncanny, and other such elements to challenge the logical. In my novel, I happily merged the two, giving my narrative two dimensions: mysterious as well as psychological.
- The chilling events that seem horrific may be symbolic representations of the terrible deeds of the human race. So, the Gothic tropes of a magical mansion, inky sky, ghost-like trees, blood-red creepers, creepy orchards, stormy clouds, and the pale moon are some of the experimental tools that orchestrate the weird smell of death and terror.
- Hey! Gothic fiction operates in a space where anything is imaginatively possible. I tried to create a willing suspension of disbelief like Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner. My story also subverts the audience’s expectations by twisting the narrative unexpectedly.
- Experiment with narrative structure and style
- It was a thrilling experiment for me to create modern evocative language to build up the atmosphere of Wuthering Heights or Dracula. Although the tropes are Gothic the language, I used, is contemporaneous because my theme is from the 20th century Bombay. The mansion is surrounded by the Arabian Sea and emerald hills on the city’s outskirts.
- Gothic writers are not scared of experimenting with narrative structure and style. So, my novel does not follow any linear narrative, the timeline happily goes back and forth, not disturbing the story arc. There are fragmented timelines and dream-like surreal sequences to build tension and uncertainty.
The memories of the dead Zira are in the different phases of her past but her hauntings and paranormal activities that drive its residents mad are all in the present timeline.
This playing with form contributes to the genre’s innovative and unpredictable nature.
- Psychological Exploration
Gothic Novels are not just about creating fear with the tools of haunted castles and ghosts/ spirits.
- My novel delves deep into the dark recesses of the complex mind of Lily Long & her husband, the exotic Zira and Deborah. It explores their fears & insecurities, dark desires, obsessions, and madness, subject to varied interpretations.
This fascinating side of Gothic Horror adds layers of depth to the world of Horror fiction, pushing conventional story-telling and challenging us to face our inner demons.
- Though original in content and style, Indian in its essence, my novel has a contemporary edge. It reveals the universal crises in human life in the form of extreme fear and the present generation’s trauma and anxieties that need to be resolved.
Gothic literature is not static It has evolved from the 18th century to the present day, lending them interesting twists and ambiance.
I chose this genre because it enabled me to portray the mysterious aspects of human existence which can be full of terror, the terror of the unknown, and its mysticism makes the Gothic stories the source of the “Sublime”.
I tried to produce the strongest emotions and passions in the world of Horror because the atmosphere of horror has a deep symbolic connection to reality.
