1. Exposure to Sensationalism and the Supernatural:
* Popular Romances and Folklore: Gothic fiction drew heavily on pre-existing literary traditions like medieval romances and folk tales. These narratives often featured dramatic, often supernatural events, heightened emotions, and themes of love, betrayal, and revenge. By reading these stories, writers became familiar with the tropes and conventions that would later be adopted by gothic literature.
* Emerging Gothic Subgenres: While gothic emerged as a distinct genre, it was also influenced by other literary movements of the time, such as the "Gothic Novel" which focused on terror, suspense, and the supernatural. These works, often read for entertainment, contributed to the developing vocabulary of gothic writing.
2. Exploration of Dark Themes and Psychological States:
* Medieval History and Philosophy: Gothic writers often explored themes of fate, destiny, and the inevitability of death, drawing inspiration from medieval history and philosophy. Reading about these topics helped them develop their understanding of human psychology and its darker facets.
* Psychological Horror: The "Gothic Novel" also played a significant role in introducing themes of madness and the psychological turmoil of characters. By reading these works, writers were exposed to the potential for horror not just from external forces, but also from within the human mind.
3. Fostering a Sense of the Macabre and the Uncanny:
* Dark Romanticism: Gothic literature often embraced the darker aspects of Romanticism, including the exploration of the grotesque, the macabre, and the sublime. Reading works by Romantic authors like Mary Shelley, John Keats, and Lord Byron provided a source of inspiration for gothic writers to embrace these themes in their own work.
* Influence of Literary Critics: Critical analysis of gothic literature and its precursors played a role in shaping the genre. Writers may have read these critiques, gaining insights into the themes and techniques used in gothic fiction, further influencing their own writing.
Conclusion:
It's important to remember that writers don't simply absorb the stories they read and regurgitate them. Instead, the process of reading for amusement, even if it's not directly related to gothic writing, can create a "mental landscape" that informs their artistic choices. Exposure to sensationalism, exploration of dark themes, and fostering a sense of the macabre all contribute to the creation of a fertile ground for gothic writing.
It's also crucial to note that the line between reading for entertainment and reading for inspiration can be blurred, particularly for writers. While some stories are consumed solely for enjoyment, others might spark an idea, a feeling, or a desire to explore certain themes, ultimately contributing to the development of their own artistic voice and style.