Gothic Elements in William Wordsworth's Tale: Analysis of Horror, Mystery, and Supernatural Imagery
Overview
This essay analyzes the gothic characteristics present in William Wordsworth's poem 'Tale,' examining how elements such as suspense, mystery, supernatural imagery, and ominous descriptions create a gothic work. The paper argues that Wordsworth employs psychological manipulation through intuition and idealism to evoke fear and curiosity in the reader.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to gothic poetry characteristics and general features
- Analysis of specific gothic elements in Wordsworth's Tale including suspense, mystery, and supernatural imagery
- Discussion of how the poet uses emotional manipulation and ominous descriptions to create gothic atmosphere
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Tale by William Wordsworth
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Gothic Poems
Gothic poems are usually characterized by horror or mystery; for example, “My gentle reader…” poem is a gothic poem. Gothic poetry comprises several elements, for instance, suspense and mystery. This particular poem is evidence of suspense, especially in the third line of the first stanza (“And now I fear that you expect”). In this case, the plot of the poem creates a frightening fear which conceives to fear of the unknown. Suspense and mystery are some of the commonest pieces in most gothic poems and horror films. Additionally, supernatural, amazing, and unimaginable images or objects are used to deliver a message in the entire poem, for example, “silent stores.” Supernatural is used in a poem to add taste and enhance enthusiasm in the reader’s mind. Most poems are mixed with intuitions and idealism, whereby the author plays with the reader’s emotions to keep them frightened and excited at the same time.
The objective of using intuition or idealism is to develop the thirst and curiosity to read the poem. Typically, poems use the art of mind to create the shape of the message conveyed. The above poem reflects these characters making it a gothic poem. “Rests upon ankles swollen and thick” reflects mystery which is estranged with spirits (Wordsworth, n.d.). Furthermore, the “master’s dead” description is frightening and probable. It resembles terrible omens in Simon Lee’s poem. The “Tale” poem has used different elements, making it a gothic poem.