Capturing Effects Of Gothic Elements

The Capturing Effects of Gothic Elements There is a vast amount of techniques an author can use to make their story better than their competitors; there is not one method that is better than the rest, but there are more effective elements used than others to reach out and grab the reader’s attention and emotion. The use of gothic elements in short stories and poems are the building blocks for a truly spectacular and captivating story. Edgar A. Poe is without a doubt one of the most well-known writers for his incredible ability to cause his readers the urge to shiver from his unsuspecting short stories. In one of his famous pieces, “Black Cat,” he uses numerous gothic elements. However, the element that attracts the reader most and compels
Just like most people, he had a favorite pet in his household that he would not abuse, but love and care for unconditionally and that was his cat. One evening he came home intoxicated more than the norm and he had felt as if his cat was running away from him or just seemed to be hiding. Sadly, for the cat, his short temper and impulsiveness resulted in the cat ending up with no left eye. Eventually his resentment against what he did, drove him to his breaking point and he lashed out and with malice, hung his cat. Further along in his story he came along a new cat with remarkable resemblance to his old cat. He came to realize that his new cat, Pluto, was just a constant reminder of his old sins and his wrong doings; therefore, he set out vengeances to do the same thing to Pluto as he did to his previous cat. As he was walking down to the basement with his cat and loving wife by his side, his short temper and anger got the best of him once again. Here is where the element of violence made the most tremendous impact in the story. He grabbed an axe, and with all his anger, he aimed straight at Pluto in desire to execute its life, luckily something stopped him. No, it was not a change in heart, but his warm hearted wife. Sadly, that did not influence him enough
There are several methods of mystery when you read a book; and it is the giant cliffhangers that create the unrestrainable feeling to be angry towards the author for doing so. Also, the subtle hints here and there keep the reader baited in the story and forces their full attention throughout the book. In this book she has a tremendous mystery at the end, where the sister turns out to be the enemy. The reader is led to believe it is the mom who is the enemy committing the murders, but the little hints are what makes this novel intriguing and captivating. A well put hint was “Her face was split into two with her smile, her teeth wet and long, and I realized how entrancing they might be to a killer” (Flynn 184). Not a whole lot of a mystery, right? Well, some would say none at all while others can say just that last little part of the sentence makes you wonder what is actually going to end up happening to her. Also, does a killer actually get entranced by her smile? Flynn uses several tiny hints just like that shown in this entire book. However, Flynn’s use of mystery is more effective than most would understand or realize. That small bit of mystery can change your entire view on the book, and make the reader question what the true outcome of the story could be. The element of mystery placed correctly in a book can change the reader’s whole aspect and