The Profound Influence of Gothic Literature on Victorian Horror
The Victorian era stands as a period of profound transformation in British society as it underwent rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and scientific advancement. Yet, amidst the veneer of progress, a shadowy undercurrent of fear and fascination with the macabre lurked within the collective psyche. It is within this complex cultural milieu that Victorian horror literature emerged, drawing upon the rich tapestry of Gothic traditions to weave tales of terror and suspense.
At the heart of Victorian horror lies the Gothic genre, a literary tradition that traces its roots to the 18th century to works such as Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto (1764). Gothic literature is characterised by its eerie atmosphere, gloomy settings, and emphasis on the supernatural, all of which serve to evoke feelings of dread and unease in the reader.
As the Victorian era unfolded, Gothic themes found fertile ground in the shifting landscape of British society. The rigid social hierarchies, repressive moral codes, and existential anxieties of the age provided fertile ground for authors to explore the darker recesses of the human psyche. Victorian horror literature thus emerged as a potent blend of Gothic tropes and Victorian sensibilities, offering readers a chilling glimpse into the hidden horrors that lurked beneath the surface of polite society.
Light some candles and sit back as we illuminate the Gothic themes and traditions that Victorian authors deployed, and as a result, shaped the literary landscape. Through this exploration, we will gain a deeper understanding of the convergence of Gothic and Victorian horror, and the lasting impact it has had on the development of the horror genre as a whole.
Gothic Origins
Gothic literature traces its origins to the latter half of the 18th century. The term ‘Gothic’ originally referred to the Germanic tribes that played a significant role in the decline of the Roman Empire, but it later came to denote a style of architecture with medieval-inspired elements such as pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, and gargoyles.
The literary genre known as Gothic fiction emerged against this backdrop of cultural and intellectual ferment, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources including medieval romances, folklore, and the supernatural. The genre is often associated with Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto, which is considered the first Gothic novel. Walpole's tale of haunted castles, mysterious apparitions, and family curses set the template for many of the themes and motifs that would come to define Gothic literature.
However, it was Ann Radcliffe who truly popularised the Gothic genre with her novels The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) and The Italian (1797). Radcliffe's works featured sprawling narratives set against the backdrop of decaying castles, remote monasteries, and sinister forests. Her novels had an emphasis on suspense, mystery, and the sublime, as well as their intricate plots and vivid descriptions of the natural world.
In the hands of subsequent writers such as Matthew Lewis, author of The Monk (1796), and Clara Reeve, who penned The Old English Baron (1777), Gothic literature continued to evolve and expand its thematic scope. These writers introduced elements of horror, terror, and the grotesque into the genre, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in literature at the time.
The Gothic genre reached its zenith in the 19th century with the works of writers such as Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Bram Stoker, whose iconic works Frankenstein (1818), The Fall of the House of Usher (1839), and Dracula (1897) respectively, have since become cornerstones of the horror genre and gave birth to the next wave horror writers.
The Victorian Gothic
The Gothic genre provided a means for Victorian writers to grapple with uncertainties and issues, and to explore the darker aspects of human nature.
The Victorian era witnessed rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, as Britain transformed into an industrial powerhouse. The rise of factories, railways, and urban centres brought about profound changes in the way people lived and worked, leading to overcrowded cities, polluted environments, and social inequalities. These changes created a sense of dislocation and alienation, which found expression in the Gothic literature of the period through themes of urban decay, industrial unrest, and the loss of connection to nature.
Hard Times (1854) by Charles Dickens is set in the fictional town of Coketown. It provides a scathing critique of utilitarianism and the dehumanising effects of industrialisation on society.
The novel vividly depicts the industrial landscape of Coketown, a grim and polluted environment dominated by factories and mills. Dickens portrays the dark side of progress, showing how industrialisation has led to urban decay, environmental degradation, and social alienation.
Through characters like Mr. Bounderby, a wealthy factory owner, and Stephen Blackpool, a downtrodden mill worker, Dickens exposes the harsh realities of life for the working class. He highlights the exploitation of workers, the lack of compassion from factory owners, and the pervasive inequalities perpetuated by the capitalist system.
Through the experiences of characters like Louisa Gradgrind and Sissy Jupe, Dickens explores the human cost of industrialisation. He shows how the relentless pursuit of profit and efficiency has led to the erosion of family bonds, emotional repression, and moral corruption.
Mary Barton (1848) by Elizabeth Gaskell is set in the industrial city of Manchester, it explores the lives of factory workers and their families during the early years of the Industrial Revolution.
Mary Barton depicts the stark divide between the wealthy factory owners and the impoverished working class. Gaskell portrays the struggles of workers like Mary Barton and her father John, who face poverty, exploitation, and injustice in their daily lives.
Against the backdrop of economic hardship and social inequality, the novel explores themes of labour unrest and social unrest. Gaskell portrays the tensions between workers and factory owners, culminating in a violent strike that threatens to tear the community apart.
Through richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions of urban life, Gaskell humanises the working class and gives voice to their struggles and aspirations. She challenges stereotypes and prejudices, highlighting the resilience, dignity, and solidarity of working-class communities in the face of adversity.
The 19th century was also a period of unprecedented scientific discovery and technological innovation, with breakthroughs in fields such as medicine, biology, and physics. These advancements challenged traditional religious beliefs and superstitions, leading to a growing fascination with rationalism, empiricism, and the scientific method. In Gothic literature, authors often juxtaposed scientific progress with supernatural phenomena, exploring the tensions between reason and faith, enlightenment and darkness.
In The Time Machine (1895) by HG Wells an unnamed Time Traveler invents a machine that allows him to journey into the distant future. He arrives in the year 802,701 AD, where he discovers two distinct species — the peaceful, childlike Eloi and the underground-dwelling, industrial Morlocks. As the Time Traveler explores this future world, he uncovers the dark truth behind humanity's evolution.
Wells uses The Time Machine to explore themes of social Darwinism, class struggle, and the consequences of scientific progress. The Eloi represent the leisure class, living in luxury but lacking curiosity and intellect, while the Morlocks symbolise the working class, toiling underground and preying on the Eloi. Wells critiques the disparities of Victorian society and warns of a future where humanity's pursuit of technology and comfort leads to its downfall.
In Robert Louis Stevenson's novella The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886), Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected London physician, creates a potion that transforms him into the brutish and amoral Edward Hyde. Initially, Jekyll uses Hyde as an outlet for his repressed desires, but he soon loses control over the transformations. As Hyde's crimes escalate, Jekyll's life unravels, leading to a tragic conclusion.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explores the duality of human nature and the moral consequences of scientific experimentation. Stevenson delves into the darker aspects of Victorian society, including the repression of desires and the hypocrisy of the upper class. The character of Hyde embodies the primal instincts that lurk beneath the veneer of civilisation, while Jekyll represents the struggle to maintain control over one's inner demons.
Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sentient being from reanimated body parts. Horrified by his creation, Frankenstein abandons the Creature, who seeks revenge on his creator by destroying everything he holds dear. The novel explores themes of ambition, hubris, alienation, and the quest for knowledge.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is often considered one of the earliest works of science fiction and a foundational text of the gothic genre. The novel grapples with the ethical implications of scientific discovery and the consequences of playing god. Through the Creature's experiences, Shelley explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a world that rejects him. Frankenstein raises profound questions about the responsibilities of creators toward their creations and the hubris of human ambition in the face of nature's mysteries.
Final Thoughts
During the Victorian era, horror literature enjoyed widespread popularity among readers, with authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and Bram Stoker gaining considerable acclaim for their works. Serialised novels, Penny Dreadfuls, and literary magazines provided platforms for the dissemination of horror fiction to a mass audience. Readers were drawn to the thrilling narratives, Gothic atmospheres, and macabre themes explored in Victorian horror stories.
Victorian horror literature elicited a range of critical responses from contemporary reviewers and literary critics. While some praised the imaginative storytelling and atmospheric settings of Gothic fiction, others condemned it as morally corrupting or intellectually frivolous. Critics debated the literary merits of horror literature, questioning its artistic value and cultural significance. Nevertheless, Victorian horror continued to captivate readers and influence popular culture throughout the era.
The legacy of Victorian horror literature extends far beyond its initial reception, shaping subsequent generations of writers, filmmakers, and artists. The themes, motifs, and narrative techniques pioneered by Victorian authors have left an indelible mark on the broader landscape of horror fiction. From the psychological depth of Edgar Allan Poe's tales to the scientific intrigue of Mary Shelley and HG Wells, Victorian horror remains a rich source of inspiration for contemporary creators.
The enduring popularity of Victorian horror literature is evident in its continued adaptation and reinterpretation in various media. Classic works such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula have been adapted into countless films, television shows, and stage productions, cementing their status as iconic pieces of horror fiction. Moreover, the Gothic aesthetics and thematic preoccupations of Victorian horror continue to resonate in contemporary horror literature, influencing writers across genres and styles.
One reason for the enduring relevance of Victorian horror literature is its exploration of timeless themes and societal anxieties. From the fear of scientific progress to the dread of the unknown, Victorian authors tapped into universal fears and desires, crafting stories that continue to resonate with readers today. By confronting issues of mortality, morality, and the supernatural, Victorian horror literature offers insights into the human condition that remain as relevant now as they were in the 19th century.
H.P. Lovecraft, while not a Victorian writer himself, was deeply influenced by the Gothic literature of the 19th century. Lovecraft's work can be seen as a departure from traditional Victorian Gothic literature in terms of style and subject matter, his exploration of cosmic horror and the unknown owes a debt to the Gothic writers who came before him. By drawing on themes of dread, the supernatural, and psychological terror, Lovecraft's stories continue the Gothic tradition's legacy of exploring humanity's deepest fears and darkest imaginings.
Mervyn Peake, best known for his Gormenghast trilogy, was a writer whose work showcased a profound Gothic influence, particularly evident in his masterful blending of atmospheric settings, complex characters, and themes of decay, isolation, and madness. Through his Gormenghast series, Peake left an indelible mark on the Gothic literary tradition, crafting tales that continue to captivate readers with their haunting beauty and psychological depth.
Victorian horror literature has become part of our cultural heritage, inspiring academic study, literary analysis, and public fascination. Scholars and enthusiasts continue to explore the themes, motifs, and historical contexts of Victorian horror, uncovering new insights into its significance and impact. Through adaptations, reimaginings, and homages, Victorian horror literature remains a vital and dynamic force in the realm of popular culture.
The reception and legacy of Victorian horror literature reflect its enduring popularity, cultural significance, and ongoing influence in the realm of horror fiction. From its initial reception to its continued resonance in contemporary culture, Victorian horror continues to captivate and terrify audiences around the world, reminding us of the enduring power of the Gothic imagination.