They are often portrayed as damsels in distress. For example, in 'Jane Eyre', Jane faces many hardships and is in a rather vulnerable position in the gloomy Thornfield Hall. Gothic women usually have a sense of mystery about them. They might be hiding a secret past or have some unexplained powers. Also, they tend to be in a state of emotional turmoil, constantly grappling with fear, love, and despair within the dark and often spooky settings of gothic tales.
Charlotte Bronte is a famous author of 'women gothic stories'. She wrote 'Jane Eyre' which is full of gothic elements such as the spooky Thornfield Hall. Another is Daphne du Maurier who wrote 'Rebecca'. Her use of atmosphere and the mystery surrounding Rebecca is very gothic. And Mary Shelley is well - known for 'Frankenstein' which has a gothic undertone.
One classic 'women gothic story' is 'Jane Eyre'. It features a strong female protagonist, Jane, who endures hardships in a mysterious and somewhat spooky setting. Another is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. The unnamed narrator is haunted by the presence of her husband's first wife, Rebecca, in their grand but eerie mansion. And 'Wuthering Heights' also has gothic elements with the wild and passionate relationships set against the desolate moors.
In gothic novels, one aim of the role of women is to represent vulnerability. They are often the ones in distress, which heightens the sense of danger and mystery. For example, in 'Jane Eyre', Jane is constantly facing threats and uncertainties in Thornfield Hall, and her vulnerability makes the gothic elements more prominent.
Women as art in Gothic novels can also be seen in their passivity. They are like still, beautiful objects. They are often placed in grand, dark settings, such as old castles or gloomy mansions, which enhance their artistic quality. They are frequently the object of male gaze, much like a piece of art is observed. Their actions and emotions are sometimes subdued, adding to this sense of them being an aesthetic object within the story.
One aim of women's roles in gothic novels is to embody the struggle between good and evil. They can be both the victims of malevolent forces and the bearers of moral strength. Women characters are used to explore themes like oppression and liberation. In many gothic tales, the female protagonist must fight against the restrictions placed on her by society and the supernatural threats that lurk in the gloomy settings.
Gothic women are different because they are usually more enshrouded in mystery. While in a detective story, the female characters might be more straightforward in their motives and actions, in gothic stories, women can be a complex web of secrets. Their appearance and actions are often used to create an atmosphere of unease. For example, they might have a pale complexion or strange habits. They are also more likely to be victims of a patriarchal society within the gothic narrative, which is not always the case in other genres where female characters can have more agency and power.
To be the center of the mystery. In many gothic novels, women are the ones around whom the strange events revolve. Their presence often seems to attract the uncanny, like in 'The Mysteries of Udolpho' where Emily is constantly in the middle of the dark secrets of the castle.
Ambiguity in women's roles in gothic novels can be seen in their relationships as well. They are sometimes caught between the male characters who may be both their saviors and oppressors. Women in these novels might be submissive in some situations but rebellious in others. In 'Wuthering Heights', Catherine Earnshaw is torn between Heathcliff and Edgar Linton. Her actions and decisions are full of ambiguity as she tries to navigate her complex relationships while also dealing with her own identity and desires.
The ambiguity in women's roles is presented through their moral positions. In gothic novels, a woman could be seen as both good and bad. She might be kind - hearted most of the time, but in a moment of desperation or madness, she could do something unethical. This moral gray area adds to the ambiguity of her role.