There’s a lot to appreciate about gothic fiction– from dark stormy atmospheres, to broody anti-heroes who’d be fun to know IRL. If you’re stuck in a reading rut, here are five reasons why you should make your next read a gothic novel.
1. Gothic books give us food for thought.
Sure, the dark atmosphere of gothic books are a thrill. But besides being hugely entertaining, gothic fiction can also be deep. A good gothic book holds a mirror up to society and question its values. Is it right to create a living thing out of dead body parts? And what about the way women, trans people, and people of colour are treated by social institutions?
In the 19th century, female authors like Charlotte Brontë used the gothic genre to explore topics like domestic isolation. The supernatural elements gave women licence to go where social convention wouldn't normally let them go. Gothic books are at their best when they push back against patriarchal systems and give us space for deeper reflection on how we can make the world a better place.
2. They give us a good scare.
Stormy castles, menacing moors, devious doppelgangers, lurking monsters– gothic fiction can be chilling. Gothic books have the power to heighten our emotional states of anxiety and fear through suspense with danger lurking. Exploring scary stuff from a safe distance can be exciting– and even help us process our own fears. We might have a few sleepless nights, but the cathartic release of pent up emotions is well worth it.
3. They can make us more compassionate.
Good fiction can open up our minds and hearts- even for a weird monster type. In gothic books monsters and ghosts are often misunderstood. Sure they’ve got flaws but we can see where they’re coming from. Imagine being created, and then immediately abandoned like Frankenstein’s poor monster. Understandably, you might have some unresolved issues. Thanks to rich storytelling, we can relate to even the most unlikeable anti-heros. Maybe the next time your terrible boss makes a snipping comment, you’ll look at them and think– oh, hun, you must’ve been through some stuff (or maybe not!).
4. Gothic books take us to some wild places.
If you're tired of the same old holidays (or can't afford one), get lost in a gothic novel. Dilapidated haunted mansion can actually be quite cozy. The dark, immersive atmosphere of the gothic is the reason why so many love the genre. It can take you to some pretty amazing places. And in autumn/ winter, a gothic book with a sweeping setting is just the thing to cozy up to with a cup of tea.
5. We can learn things about ourselves (and others) we didn't already know.
Gothic books that feature doppelgangers are especially unsettling because they make us ask questions about who we are. Are we Jekyll or Hyde–or both? If there is another version of us living a different life somewhere, would we be any less ourselves?...
…Before we get too introspective, let’s remember that gothic fiction is also just a lot of good fun– and that’s reason enough to make a gothic book your next read.
Comments