Examples of Gothic in Literature

 Examples of Gothic 

• Fingersmith 

is a historical crime novel by British author Sarah Waters, published in 2002. The story is set in Victorian-era Britain and revolves around a young orphan named Sue. Trinder who becomes embroiled in a scheme to defraud a wealthy heiress, Maud Lilly. The novel is known for its intricate plot twists, richly developed characters, and exploration of themes such as deception, identity, and sexuality. It has received critical acclaim and has been adapted into various forms, including a television miniseries .In Fingersmith the plot unfolds through a series of events that involve intricate schemes, unexpected twists, and shifting alliances .Sue Trinder, a young orphan raised in a den of thieves, is approached by a con man known as Gentleman with a proposition. He plans to use Sue to help him seduce and marry Maud Lilly, a wealthy heiress, and then commit her to an asylum in order to steal her inheritance .Sue is hired as Maud's maid and begins to develop feelings for her. As she spends more time with Maud, she starts to question her involvement in the scheme .Flashbacks reveal Maud's upbringing in a gloomy mansion under the strict rule of her uncle, a collector of pornography. Maud's life is lonely and stifled, and she 4 yearns for freedom and companionship .As Sue and Maud grow closer, they uncover the truth about Gentleman's plan and realize they have been manipulated. Sue and Maud conspire to turn the tables on Gentleman and reclaim control of their lives .The narrative twists and turns as secrets are revealed, alliances shift, and the characters' true motivations come to light. The story takes unexpected directions, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. In the end, Sue and Maud's bond deepens as they confront the challenges together. They ultimately find a way to break free from the constraints imposed by society and chart their own path forward. (Gilling, 1)

• "Rebecca"

is a Gothic novel written by British author Daphne du Maurier, first published in 1938. It tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his estate, Manderley. The novel is narrated by the unnamed protagonist, who becomes increasingly haunted by the memory of Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, whose presence still lingers in the house. The novel is celebrated for its atmospheric setting, psychological depth, and suspenseful plot, and it has been adapted into several films and stage productions over the years. The protagonist, a young woman working as a paid companion to the wealthy Mrs. Van Hopper, meets Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower, in Monte Carlo. They fall in love, and Maxim proposes marriage. After their marriage, the couple returns to Maxim's estate, Manderley. The protagonist struggles to adapt to her new role as the lady of the house, overshadowed by the memory of Maxim's first wife, Rebecca.Mrs. Danvers: The sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is fiercely loyal to Rebecca and resents the protagonist's presence at Manderley. She manipulates situations to make the protagonist feel inadequate and unwelcome. Rebecca's Legacy: The protagonist learns more about Rebecca's life and death, including the revelation that Rebecca 5 drowned in a boating accident. However, secrets about Rebecca's true character and the circumstances of her death begin to emerge .The tension between the protagonist and Mrs. Danvers escalates, leading to a climactic scene where Mrs. Danvers attempts to persuade the protagonist to jump out of a window. A fire breaks out at Manderley during the struggle. Revelations: The truth about Rebecca's death is finally revealed, including the fact that Maxim did not love Rebecca and that she was carrying another man's child when she died. The protagonist realizes that Maxim killed Rebecca in a fit of rage after she taunted him about her infidelity. Maxim and the protagonist leave Manderley behind, with the house burning in the background. They drive away together, determined to face the consequences of Rebecca's death. ( Hitchcock ,19)

• Bibliography

1. Alfred Hitchcock,"Rebecca" Swedish Film Institute.1940.
2. Gilling, Tom (24 February 2002). "Our Mutual Attraction". The New York Times