And am I right in thinking that gothic is a subset of romantic lit? Would be very grateful if someone could explain.
Responses (1)
Goth·ic
adjective
1. relating to the Goths or their extinct East Germanic language, which provides the earliest manuscript evidence of any Germanic language (4th–6th centuries AD).
2. of or in the style of architecture prevalent in western Europe in the 12th–16th centuries, characterized by pointed arches, rib vaults, and flying buttresses, together with large windows and elaborate tracery.
noun
1. the language of the Goths.
2. the Gothic style of architecture.
~ google.com
Definition of Gothic Fiction. The term Gothic fiction refers to a style of writing that is characterized by elements of fear, horror, death, and gloom, as well as romantic elements, such as nature, individuality, and very high emotion. These emotions can include fear and suspense.
study.com/academy/lesson/gothic-fiction-definition-characteristics-authors.html
Up to the 18th century stories were of two types: comedy, where the hero lives and tragedy, where the hero dies. Then a new style of story took hold: a happy ending. The new style was called novella historia, meaning new story and shortened to novel, and because it was prevalent in countries where the language was based on Latin, it came to be called romance.
In modern times, these words might be mixed until nobody knows what they are talking about.