This stanza from “How Clear She Shines”, by Emily Bronte, provides an example of Gothic literature. The selection above represents Gothicism well because it provides examples of why “death is the depot of the whole!” It lets us know that deceitfulness is stronger and more powerful than the truth, hope is nothing but the ghost of the human soul and that life is nothing but continuous labor that is short and has no reward. Gothicism is a subcategory of Romanticism, but it contains much darker elements. In Gothic literature the author expounds upon grotesque and obscure subjects by incorporating them into the plot, setting, characters, and theme. Gothic literature sets an atmosphere of high enigma, terror, and distress. Supernatural images often …show more content…
Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He’s always, always in my mind: not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being. So don’t talk of our separation again: it is impracticable. (60) This quote is so powerful because it shows us that Catherine and Heathcliff’s love for one another is way beyond physical attraction, and it transcends all of types of love. These two characters provide an excellent example of the doppelganger in Gothic literature. Another element of Gothicism that Bronte incorporates into her writings is the supernatural aspects of ghosts. From the beginning to the end supernatural spirits permeate the book, adding suspense and terror. In the beginning Catherine tells the reader that, “We’ve braved its ghosts often together, and dared each other to stand among the graves and ask them to come” (93). Bronte automatically lets the reader know that ghosts are not a big deal and most of the characters, besides Joseph, show no fear in them. In many ways, the ghosts in Wuthering Heights represent the gap that cannot be closed between lovers. Heathcliff believes in ghosts because it allows him to still be connected with Catherine. When Catherine dies, he says: “You said I killed you haunt me then! The murdered do haunt their murderers. I believe- I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always- take any form- drive me mad!” (124). Because Bronte’s ghosts possess a more romantic element, they are not considered average Gothic devices, but they still instill Gothic principles into the