The Windigo By Louise Erdrich

Gothic Literature Essay
Gothic literature and the concept of horror in general have only continued to grow in popularity over the years and have become especially provident in the last few decades. Whether it's the feeling of confidence achieved after a haunted house, the human craving to be able to explain complex ideas; things like death, or the chilling feeling from reading a spooky story, this attraction to fear can be associated with common gothic themes and elements. This is especially shown through gothic literature. Because of the commonalities among interests the basis of gothic literature is held together by common elements, such as the addition of mystery, the use of fantasy monster-like characters, and the use of old gloomy settings

Part of gothic literature's main allure comes from the sense of mystery it holds and the way it pulls a reader into the story by having them solve a puzzle. Sometimes the reader's questions never get answered and they are left wondering what the true outcome is, confusion is another thing that keeps readers interested. In the Poem ¨The Windigo”, written by Louise Erdrich, the reader is immediately pulled into a mystery as the main character of the poem is never even truly identified. The narrator seems to be talking directly to someone but the readers are left to wonder who, ¨You knew I was coming for you little one¨Erdrich(108). This quote is the very first line in the poem, and it greatly contributes the mystery element to the poem because the readers are instantly wondering who the narrator is and who they are talking

In the short story ¨The Fall of the House of Usher¨ this element is clearly exhibited through the characteristic of not only the house itself but also the atmosphere around it, ¨I know not what it was-but with the first glimpse of the building a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit¨Poe(13). This quote from the narrator clearly sets the tone for the story by setting up the scenes to take place in this overall gloomy and spirit dampening environment which easily incites the reader to want to explain this darkness set up so early