The American Gothic movement sprang from Individualism. The Individualists focused on the ideals of mankind, and on trusting yourself and your instincts. Their intense focus on the individual nature of mankind eventually led to the Gothic movement, which focused on individuals also, but their dark side, their potential for evil. The Gothic movement emphasized the power of the mind to create horror, fear, and reveal our darkest selves. Mankind was no longer ideal and holy, but instead capable of weakness, insanity, and vice.
In "The Yellow Wallpaper", the narrator is dealing with her slowly crumbling mental health. It focuses on her delusions and paranoias, and we see that the human mind can create a horrifying reality, and lead to unimaginable distress. From the setting (an abandoned and creepy house), to the isolation (she's trapped in a room with horrid wallpaper, all by herself), to the bizarre state of her mind, there are Gothic themes throughout.
No comments:
Post a Comment