Gothicism In Modern Times Gothic literature is a genre that often focuses on dark, mysterious scenery and supernatural, suspenseful, or melodramatic events. It usually takes place in an ancient building with medieval architecture, such as a castle (Kennedy). The first gothic novel written was The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole in 1764. He combined medieval romance with gothic elements that have been carried on for centuries and are still used to this day for entertainment. Modern use of Gothicism is portrayed in The Woman In Black, The Blair Witch Project, and The Shining.
The Woman In Black is an example of modern gothic horror. It is a short novel that was written in 1983 by Susan Hill. Darkness is a gothic element seen in this story because the woman has black hair, dark eyes, and is always dressed in black. Supernaturalism and ancient prophecy are elements used in this story as well. The Woman in Black is a lady named Jennet
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It is a documentary-style film directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez that came out in 1999. The Blair Witch Project has an atmosphere of mystery and suspense throughout the whole film. The three students going out into the woods to learn more about the myth of the Blair Witch sets up the theme of mystery and suspense. Darkness is another element used in this film, because the woods are so dark at night that it is hard to see anything. That is usually when the major events occur. The Blair Witch legend is an example of supernatural events, because it is believed that she haunts the woods. Supernatural or inexplicable events are also portrayed when Josh’s belongings are covered in slime and he disappears, when the three Cairns appear, and when Heather and Mike see hanging wooden figures from the trees. Madness and isolation are also used in this film because it is just Heather, Mike, and Josh in the woods and towards the end, they become delusional and