A+Gothic+Alphabet

For your--entertainment?--here is a link to one of the finest examples of American Gothic, both visually and textually. Edward Gorey's //The Gashlycrumb Tinies// is not from the Romantic period--it was first published in 1963--but it captures very well the Gothic sensibilities that infuse the literature we'll study. In fact, this may be a good opportunity to start thinking about the characteristics that define the Gothic. Notice, for example, that in spite of common expectations we might have, there are no supernatural elements in this very Gothic alphabet. While the supernatural can sometimes be a component of the Gothic, it is not a requirement.

Although this is from the 20th century, the look and feel are much closer to our time frame for this course.

Enjoy, and feel free to offer your comments.



Click here to navigate to Edward Gorey's //The Gashlycrumb Tinies//