Differences Between Gothic and Horror

While closely related, "gothic" and "horror" aren't exactly the same.

Both genres are dark, but in different ways. So, let’s explore the differences between gothic literature, modern horror, and gothic horror together!

Reference mentioned:

Soundtrack:
Psycho Suite - Bernard Herrman

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[TheScarekrow]

Every single good horror story is a moral tale about something or a social commentary about a particular subject/issue

[Xnoob]

I think one key difference is the way elements of the story are treated. In horror it emphasises on the "spectacular" side of things and insentivies strong emotionnal reactions, on the other hand, gothic look on things is macabre gloomy and morbid - some might even say grotesque - but not in a spectacular way, but rather in a contemplation state of mind, looking at dark and harsh themes and objects as they are and seeing the beauty and sublime in it, even if there isn't any to find at first glance. In a sense, I think horror is looking of a visceral reaction, a kind of short term intense subversion of our thinking schemes whereas gothic is looking for a more visceral atmosphere, a long lasting feeling of "malaise" or feeling that we have to accomodate to...
This was a long long comment, all my apologies but I really find the subject fascinating.
A much interesting video, as always, thanks and good eavening

[RSEFX]

And then there is POE, who does it all throughout many of his tales:

[CyborgTecnology]

Excelent video, i´m goth and i love the mix of Gothic, Horror and Romance 🖤🫀🦇

[SchoolOfGoth]

"Gothic literature emerged as a reaction to the age of enlightenment, which emphasized reason, science and rationality. So, Romanticism literature emphasizes emotion and individualism.[...] The focal point of gothic stories is to create and explore feelings or emotions of unease, mystery, melancholy and other extreme emotions - especially the dark aspect of human nature. Meanwhile for something to be horror the writer needs to at least be able to provoke fear in the audience. Horror stories frequently involve more violence, gore and psychological terror. " @4:00

Excellent video. Thank you for your effort :)

[Aluenvey]

Yep you nailed it, I prefer dark fiction that explores feelings of melancholy and depression, and also tends to be the fiction I write and draw. But I dont like what is often labelled horror, with exception being J Horror. The vampires I go for are more like the scifi notion or romance rather than stuff like that recent zombie movie that simply swapped zombies for vampires.

A love story between vampires and humans, when done well, is my favorite thing.

One difference from Gothic I like is more of a focus on familial lineages of vampires, and their overlap with shady professions where you only want a vamp for the job.

[tzimisce]

Very interesting. I guess I overlap in the two but I never really thought about the distinction. I absolutely love horror, but I love goth too, I listen to Blutengel, Sisters of Mercy, The Smiths, The Cure, Witches' Rune, Maria Loves Me etc.
I think horror augments gothic so well that things like Diablo are masterpieces because of it.

[wallybonejengles]

I am taking my first crack at writing a Gothic/Horror. It being my first go, im walking a fine line. I see the delicate balance i must maintain. I had to write a very uncomfortable scene about an arranged marriage. I struggled with it because its such an awful thing, but i needed to express that. It couldnt just be "and then this happened." It would have too much to paint a scene of abuse. So instead i turned the scen inward. Instead of showing the things happening, i described the TERROR and the rising fears and emotions of the character.

Its like. Forget the blood and gore. Forget the supernatural. Have you ever felt trapped? Removed from everythign you know and love? Have you ever just lost control of everything you hold dear and been thrust into a new life you never really wanted.
With no way back to how things were?

Thats scary.

[mikawaii_og]

Horror lover here! I am excited to hear your insights on this as I am also fascinated by goth culture.

[annnichols]

Thanks for using the theme from Hitchcock's "Psycho" as part of your background music.

[eldritch_being]

☽༺ I'm in love with your videos! I do love all these gothic, melancholic and even eerie themes. ༻☾

[EuphoricImpact]

Thank you for producing this video. It is excellent!

[LAK]

Thanks for another awesome video . . . .

[-RONNIE]

Really good video 👍🏻 at the end of the day it's all about people's preference in what they like of anyting. As for me I love horror movies, the Goth subculture also all other aspects of Gothic subjects & things. 💀🖤

[shannonfairywalker]

Came for the explanation but left with bonus neoclassical darkwave 😂💜

[williamerickson]

I would argue that the very first horror novel is Daniel Defoe's Journal of the Plague Year published in 1723, which tells the story of the great plague in London in 1665. The horror is conveyed through vivid description of the plague's effects on the people it claimed.
I do appreciate the break down between gothic and horror, though the jump scare and final girl elements are more cinema than literature (jump scares being somewhat difficult in print). Solid analysis overall. Keep up the good work!

[OlgaRykov]

Jane Eyre as in "air", not Eyre as in "ire".

[arlynnecumberbatch]

Came here bc while looking at the wikipedia page of jacksepticeye i came across this

_Elements of gothic storytelling have been identified in McLoughlin's Let's Plays of horror games and in the character of Antisepticeye, _

And went "wait what huh what??" And even clicked on the cited definition of gothic fiction yet i still dont get it or how anti is "gothic" in some way. And this video checks out everything i need to know between gothic and horror genre/elements. You did great!

[GrandDuchessKuromi]

I recommend "The Sandman" by E.T.A. Hoffmann if you like uncanny.

[mikechristian-vnle]

Hamlet includes what we now call pseudo-incest: Hamlet's mother marries her late husband's brother, which the Bible, Levidicus chapter 18, forbids.