The Sublime and Gothic Literature

The concept of il sublime letteratura inglese emerged as a powerful force in 18th and 19th century literature, profoundly influencing the Romantic movement and the development of the romanzo gotico genre. This page explores the philosophical foundations of the sublime and its literary manifestations.

Definition: The sublime is a state of mind evoked by natural phenomena that inspire both terror and fascination, often surpassing the limits of human reason.

Two key philosophers shaped the understanding of the sublime:

1. Immanuel Kant: Believed the sublime originates from the conflict between reason and sensibility.
2. Edmund Burke: Viewed beauty and the sublime as opposites that produce similar effects on the human psyche.

Highlight: The sublime is inherently subjective, with each individual perceiving it differently. It fundamentally stems from human respect and admiration for nature's overwhelming power.

The Gothic Novel emerged in the late 18th century, heavily influenced by the concept of the sublime. Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" is considered the first romanzo gotico, establishing many of the genre's key features:

• Nighttime settings to enhance the atmosphere of mystery
• Ancient, isolated locations like castles or churches
• Themes of terror and horror
• Complex, multi-layered narratives
• Heroic protagonists facing supernatural or irrational forces

Example: A typical gothic setting might include a crumbling medieval castle perched on a cliff, shrouded in mist and echoing with unexplained noises.

The Gothic revival aligned with the Romantic spirit's rejection of pure reason, instead emphasizing sensibility and emotion as ways to understand reality.

Mary Shelley and Frankenstein

Mary Shelley, a pivotal figure in romanzo gotico italiano, was deeply influenced by her intellectual upbringing and the scientific advancements of her time. Her novel Frankenstein stands as a masterpiece of gothic literature, blending romantic ideals with scientific speculation.

Vocabulary: Gothic novel - A genre of literature combining elements of horror, romance, and mystery, typically set in a dark or supernatural atmosphere.

Key influences on Shelley's work include:

1. Her family's philosophical and literary connections
2. Interest in scientific theories, particularly Darwin's ideas on species
3. Rousseau's concepts of social justice and natural human freedom

Frankenstein explores several profound themes:

• The dangers of exceeding natural limits
• Social prejudices and discrimination
• The importance of science and its ethical boundaries
• The nature of life and consciousness
• The power of revenge
• The innocence and potential corruption of childhood

Quote: "I saw—with shut eyes, but acute mental vision—I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together." - Mary Shelley, describing her inspiration for Frankenstein

The novel's narrative structure is complex, featuring multiple perspectives and epistolary elements. Shelley's writing style is characterized by:

• Impulsive and passionate prose
• Vivid descriptions of emotions and sensations
• A blend of gothic atmosphere and romantic idealism