My Personal Definition of Gothic- Revised

     When reflecting upon the word "Gothic", it automatically evokes feelings of uneasiness. I would apply the term gothic to anything, whether it is writing, movies, and other works, or even experiences, which make me, feel somewhat scared or anxious. However, a work or experience does not have to be a scary situation to be labeled gothic (that is just one example). I base my definition of gothic visually, aurally, and emotionally. If the situation or work has a dark shadowy lightning, and castle like architecture, I would consider it gothic. Make up can also fall under this category. Unusual lipstick, pale faces, and dark eyeliner are gothic. If the sounds that I am hearing are suspenseful or eerie, I would consider it gothic. Music from bands with dark lyrics can be gothic. If it makes me feel tense and frightened I would consider it gothic. The mental illness aspect of gothic can fall under this category. Within gothic literature and movies we see a character try to escape the evil that is happening around them. Sometimes, the character is not able to escape their surroundings and instead, they retreat into their head. Not all of these aspects need to be combined together for me to consider it gothic. A good example of this is the movie “Beetlejuice”. I would consider this movie gothic because it contains dark lightning, odd characters, and the architecture of the house is pointy and squared. “Beetlejuice” however, is not a horror movie; it is actually more of a dark comedy. 

     There are other things that I immediately identify gothic when I see them such as skulls and bats, pointy Victorian architecture with gargoyles perched atop, or a person in an all black wardrobe equipped with chains and such. As I continue studying the gothic, my ability to include or eliminate items that I consider gothic is improving and my definition of the word gothic, is ever changing. Again, just one aspect could change my definition though, an example of this being the picture of the mountains that were shown in class. The lightning alone really changed the feel of the picture from peaceful to gothic. Perhaps, it really depends on specific aspects of each item or situation as to whether or not I consider it gothic.