We have now spent a few lessons looking at the Gothic, and you should be building up a wider understanding of the conventions of this genre of writing. In addition to the texts that we study for the examination, you must have done some reading of other Gothic texts or you will not have a wider enough understanding of the genre. You have all been given packs with extracts from some key Gothic texts. You should use this page to publish your comments and reflections on your wider reading, discussing the Gothic conventions that you are uncovering in each text and other potential readings you could apply, for example feminist or Marxist readings.
Gothic conventions on ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne Du Maurier
ReplyDeleteThe gothic genre once swayed strongly towards the idea of the supernatural having an impact on the life of an individual however modern day gothic gradually lost this negative connotation and focused on settings, surroundings these being gloomy, dimly lit, remote wild landscapes. As an example of this the opening of the novel Rebecca refers to the architecture of the mansion of Manderley, it is here where the gothic genre has been introduced, ‘’I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. There was a padlock and chain upon the gate.’’ This opening sentences establishes an atmosphere of mystery and terror which leads to the introduction for violence and the supernatural; the ‘’padlock and chain upon the gate’’ can be used to symbolise different aspects, firstly an entrance; a gate is normally used as an entrance or exit passageway to another part of the estate or house, metaphorically it could refer to the entering of another world, for if the individual in the opening of Rebecca is to go beyond the padlock they will be entering into a unknown threshold where perhaps the supernatural are located and locked within. Secondly, the fact that the gate is locked can represent a dead end; evoke a feeling of having no way out and death. Rebecca exemplifies the genre as most of the description given in the opening of the novel, highlights hidden mysteries and revelations.
By Hollie-Jane Williams