Where Is Here By Joyce Carol Oated

Traditional and Modern Gothic Literature may sound the same, but they have drastic differences. In traditional gothic literature, there are eight key elements which are the setting in a castle, an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, an ancient prophecy, omens, portents, visions, supernatural or inexplicable events, overwrought emotion, women in distress, and lastly, women threatened by a powerful male. Modern Gothic literature has evolved by exploring new settings, themes, and character dynamics, moving away from the typical Gothic, while typical literature stayed the same. A great example of traditional and modern gothic literature is "The Pit and the Pendulum" by Edgar Allan Poe and "Where is Here" by Joyce Carol Oates. Both stories' similarities

In Where Is Here, an odd stranger comes to visit a regular happy home, as opposed to a castle. An element that is found in both stories this time is an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Both Poe and Oates did a great job of portraying characters that feel fear in both stories. The protagonist in the pit and the pendulum lives in a fear of the unknown below in the dungeon which leads to high anxiety throughout the story. Likely feelings of dread and suspense are present in "Where Is Here?" as the protagonist investigates the mysterious mansion and runs into strange events. Supernatural events are not found directly in either story, but both stories hint at strange and otherworldly events. In Where is Here, a stranger is shown around a young couple's house, but when the man leaves, the house has a weird smell and odd feel to it. Typically when there is paranormal activity from a ghost, or unexplained creature, an almost rotten smell can be found left behind, as well as a weird fog-like substance. In comparison, The Pit and the Pendulum uses psychological and physical terror throughout, even though there are some underlying supernatural