Romantic Fiction

A strange noise? A full moon above a cemetery? Objects that rise and float through the air by themselves as your pulse quickens? This is all part of the thrill of gothic stories.

In this topic, you will learn about the rise and enduring reign of gothic fiction, a subgenre of Romanticism that still influences and entertains the imagination of today's readers and audiences. After examining the characteristics of gothic fiction, you will explore one of the most famous gothic works of English literature: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Originally published in 1818, this novel about science gone awry is considered by many to be a landmark foray into the genres of science fiction and horror, and its lessons about moral responsibilities and the need for acceptance are as memorable as its characters imagined two hundred years ago.

Essential Questions

• What are the elements of gothic fiction?
• How is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein still relevant today?