The Monk by Matthew G. Lewis Essay - 1872 Words

The Female and Male Gothic in Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Lewis’ The Monk The gothic novel is characterized by mystery and supernatural fear, usually involving evil villains, and victimized protagonists. These elements are recognized in both Austen’s novel, Northanger Abbey, and Lewis’ The Monk. The novels are composed of male and female gothic characteristics, involved in gendered portrayals of supernatural events. The gothic genre is used in these novels in unique ways, however they both portray gendered depictions of the gothic genre. Austen and Lewis use their characters to frame the text, and abide by conventions of the male and female gothic genres. Through the use of these gendered gothic qualities, they expose how characters,†¦show more content†¦Catherine responds, â€Å"I should be too much frightened to do such a thing† (Austen 178). Catherine identifies with the female gothic here, as she is terrorized by the idea of such events, even though they are simply made up by the villainous General. Coinciding with the theme of the damsel in distress is the oppressed female and powerful male in accordance with the female gothic. When Henry Tilney addresses Catherine, ensuring that there is no hope of a relationship, she returns to her room. Austen describes Catherine as, â€Å"most bitterly did she cry†¦she hated herself more than she could express† (Austen 224). This intense emotional distress is a characteristic of the female gothic in which sensibility overpowers rationality. Mr. Tilney holds power over Catherina, as he is her love interest, and destroys any hope of a life together. Catherine’s obsession with Henry’s denial is attributed as she, â€Å"wondered over the repetition of a disappointment for nine successive mornings† (Austen 227). This focus on love rather than reality is a characteristic of the female gothic, where the powerless heroine is controlled by sentiments and passion rather than logical dilemmas. Another element of the female gothic is the explained supernatural, in which ordinary events are explained by supernatural occurrences, combined with secret passageways within the castle. This is made evident by Austen in a humorous way, as Catherine walksShow MoreRelatedSolution Manual, Test Bank and Instructor Manuals34836 Words   |  140 PagesLampman, Randall G. Engel (IM) A People and a Nation A History of the United States, Brief Edition, Volume I, 9th Edition_Mary Beth Norton, Carol Sheriff, David W. Blight, Howard P. Chudacoff, A People and a Nation A History of the United States, Volume II Since 1865, 9th Edition_Mary Beth Norton, Carol Sheriff, David W. Blight, Howard P. Chudacoff, Fredrik A Small Scale Approach to Organic Laboratory Techniques, 3rd Edition _Donald L. Pavia, Gary M. Lampman, George S. 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