Gothics Essay

This essay examines the conventions of Gothic literature, focusing on the portrayal of the persecuted heroine and how this trope is subverted when a male figure fills this role. It begins by defining the difference between terror and horror, drawing on examples from novels like "The Monk" and films like "Twilight." The essay argues that while female characters are traditionally associated with terror and vulnerability in Gothic narratives, the use of male characters in this role can create a different kind of horror, often more psychologically disturbing. The essay concludes by highlighting the evolving representation of gender in modern Gothic media, where both male and female characters contribute to the creation of a terrifying atmosphere.