8 Aspects of GOTHIC BOOKS

What are Gothic books? Most of us have read one but how is a Gothic book defined?
In this classic literature video we look at 8 features of gothic literature.
Watch until the end to see a reading of an improvised introduction to a gothic book.

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[dvd]

Such a pleasant, polished reading voice. You may very well be the most eloquent, articulate presence on BookTube. Your perspective & knowledge educates us. We need it. Thank you.

[the_REAL_Pearl_]

The hotel in The Shining is a great example of "The Castle"

[christianakist]

As someone who is currently writing a gothic romance novel, I'm super excited to see videos like this. It's hard to find many videos breaking down the gothic genre so thoroughly.

[BLUE-fpbn]

And that is why we love gothic literature so much.... It's not disgusting, but wonderfully disturbing at times... Even adults can scare themselves silly and enjoy it.

Love the thorough walk thru.

[Harbinger]

Just had to say, your story example at the end was phenomenal, both in how it was written and how it was read. You may not have known where the story was going when you wrote it, but I could easily see where an entire novel would grow out of that.

[tessacarstairs]

Wow this is so well-written! I’m an English major and you teach so much better than my professors!!

[alidabaxter]

I loved this particular video so much, because like so many others I adore Gothic novels or stories. I have read "The Castle of Otranto", but wasn't remotely as scared by it as I was when I first tried to read "Wuthering Heights". I was still at school and the mere idea of the tapping at the window - I don't think I've ever read a more terrifying opening to a novel. I was never as scared when reading "Jane Eyre" because she's such a strong character that I thought she'd survive no matter what. And I adored "Dracula" from first reading, because I think it's so sexy, in contrast to "Frankenstein" which is heart breaking. I was so interested and glad that you agree Daphne du Maurier is a Gothic writer, because whilst that's easier to see in "Rebecca", I find it fascinating that "Don't Look Now" was originally one of her short stories, and my God you can hardly get more Gothic than that. Your videos are so accessible they're an absolute joy; thank you so much.

[Cyrusw]

You’re not just an amazing educator but a storyteller and writer too! Subbed 🎉

[hicksinferno]

Currently reading Frankenstein for my AP Lit course, and it’s my first gothic novel, so this video helped me a lot in my analysis of the book!

[mel.alaska]

Two of my favorite gothic novels are The Haunting of Hill House, and The Woman in Black. I’m starting to love Jane Eyre as well, as far as I’ve read it. The beginning as you mentioned was deliciously spooky! I’m looking forward to reading Wuthering Heights. I also love gothic horror movies… my favorite modern ones that I feel are handled very well are Woman in Black (2012), Crimson Peak, and What Lies Beneath. The 1960s The Haunting is phenomenal as well.

[TheNutmegStitcher]

Wow! This channel is growing by leaps and bounds. So encouraging. People still read after all. ❤ I just finished The Woman in White and Frankenstein because of your recommendations. It was absolutely wonderful. I wish this had been around when I was majoring in literature as an undergrad. Excellent teaching --elegant, concise, fun.

[rayodelsol]

I seriously wish this could have gone on and on for hours! When you read that story, you brought the characters to life. Having a British person read with such great accents made the story so much more interesting! As an American I can’t really imagine too many British accents and their subtleties, but you made it so amazing :) definitely subscribing!

[jruthejunkie]

This has been the best breakdown of gothic literature I’ve experienced! I appreciated the examples and straightforward explanations

*ending spoiler*
Your story opening definitely had me hooked. nice job!

[neveensadoun]

Man I'm loving the way you explain gothic literature.

[vivianrodrigues]

Just love the exercice in the end. I was actually getting intrigued by the story

[christbianchi]

What a great reading voice! Your well written piece definitely falls in line with all the Gothic aspects! Thank you for providing this well put together video on Gothic literature!

[RosieIfYouKnowMe]

This might be the best video I've watched about gothic lit. It's helped me to realize that my novel is actually gothic (as opposed to urban/dark fiction) and that's why I've been having trouble writing the sequel. Thank you!

[mrsfruity]

Your explanation of gothic books/novels have definitely peaked my interest. And your surprise was fabulous! That story-opening definitely drew me in. I feel like I want to know more!

[coolpiraterapstar]

This channel is what I was looking for on youtube

[GrimScholarofDarkhollow]

I always felt that the place could be anywhere that is rundown or just ancient, like an olde cemetery or asylum.