Gothic literature focuses on the darker aspects of humanity. It was written in response to the changes the authors faced in daily life, as well as the challenges of world events. Gothic literature is a subgenre of the Romantic movement, a movement focused on honor, integrity, and justice. Physical elements, for example the mysterious setting and atmosphere, as well as supernatural elements create tones of strong emotion and sadness in Gothic literature. Authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allen Poe embodied the spirit of this movement through famous works such as The House of Usher and The Scarlet Letter. These writings helped make Gothic literature the influential genre it is today. Other aspects of Gothic literature are the oppressed heroine and women in distress. These two aspects deal with the same thing: female characters. Mary Ellen Snodgrass analyzes the importance of female characters in Jane Eyre. She writes from a unique feminist perspective: the oppressed heroine in the story serves as an outlet to express her concerns about the repression of women in their careers, marriage, and treatment. Ultimately, Gothic literature is an extension of the Romantic era that merges with tones of horror so that authors can comment on current events and social situations like women in society. This can be demonstrated through The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and The House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Snodgrass analyzes the feminist qualities of women in Gothic literature. She mentions an innovative feminist critique written by Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar. With Snodgrass, they analyzed women and their role in Gothic literature. Snodgrass, Gilbert and Gubar focus on the characters of Jane Eyre and Bertha Mason Rochester, from the novel Jane Eyre. These characters are seen as reflections of each other. Even though they are opposites, their situations are similar. Their communities at school, home and work ostracize both women. Because Bertha is a “deranged version of Jane,” she can be used as “a way to express outrage at a repressive society that has suppressed the voices of career women.” This proves that because both characters are oppressed and ostracized, they symbolize the need for positive change and the creation of equality. Hawthorne's character, Hester Prynne, serves as a voice for all women while still being within the gothic confines of an oppressed heroine. As the main character, Prynne gains the readers' sympathy. They see things from his point of view rather than from the point of view of the persecuting townspeople. Although shunned by the townspeople, she is able to successfully raise a child and have a carrier. The idea of ​​a single mother supporting herself and her family was a difficult idea to understand. This is a feminist message because although she still falls into the category of oppressed heroine, she is able to perform tasks considered abnormal for women. The gothic novel, The Scarlet Letter, comments on a social problem in society. Madeline Usher, from Poe's The House of Usher, is another example of a strong feminist message. Although it may not seem like it, since Madeline is bedridden for most of the story and doesn't utter a single word, she offers a very forward-thinking message. This message being. 2015.