These two stories are very different from one another and for this week will have to be discussed separately.
The Fall of the House of Usher is a more obvious gothic novel. The elements of scenery, death, and cruel intentions of the people are very obvious. The scene is located in a dilapidated house with large cracks and obvious weathering. The house itself is secluded away from the town that is located, but has become related to the inhabitants themselves. This is in fact directly stated in the story, which is somewhat uncommon compared to the other stories we have read. Generally, the gothic novels have no stated direct relationships between characters and setting, but rather leave the reader to distinguish the differences between where the characters live and what interactions they have with the world. Death is also a very obvious characteristic of this novel. The whole story is based around the fact that Roderick is going to bury his sister alive, or knows that she will come back from the dead. This goes right into the subject of the intentions of the characters. In most gothic novels, and this one is no exception, there are always main characters with cruel intentions to be placed on another.
Behind a Mask is somewhat new in its approach to gothic literature. This probably due to the source of the writing being American both in style and origin. The setting is only similar in the fact that it is secluded. It is not in the woods, the darkness, or does it give off an "eerie" feeling. What does hold true is the characterization. Jean Muir is portrayed as someone that has the will to do evil upon this family. We are not completely sure of the cause yet, but we are able to tell that there is something obviously wrong in the relationship between Muir and the primary family.
I agree with what you said about "Fall of the Houes of Usher." Having the house represent the family was a strange twist and its old, cracked, and withered look may actually be the inspiration for the Southern Gothic element of the old plantation. The fact that Roderick buries his sister alive and knows she is alive for days is quite disturbing. However, most of Poe's works are pretty vivid and dark, and this story is no different.
ReplyDeleteI agree that these stories completely portrayed Gothic elements. I think that Poe clearly writes with Gothic elements. There is no confusion that this is a Gothic novel. Every aspect and detail reveals a Gothic feel. The reader never knows what grotesque event might happen when reading Poe.
ReplyDeleteWhat i got the impression is the dead sister becoming alive again represented something more then what is obviously displayed for the reader. I took the part where she kills the brother as the guilt coming down on him. I could be wrong, but knowing Poe's problems with alcohol and saying that only with alcohol we manages to live normal, and without alcohol he goes insane, i wouldnt be surprised if the sister was representing something like long lost love or a feeling that bothered him.
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