Theme Of Ambiguity In Gothic Literature

Ambiguity and grotesqueness are two themes evident in the Gothic works: “The Black Cat,” by Edgar Allen Poe, “Prey,” by Richard Matheson, “The Feather Pillow,” by Horacio Quiroga. These authors intended on using gothic elements such as mystery and violence to add suspense and induce fear in the story’s tone.
The theme of ambiguity is utilized in various gothic works often to add to the plot of suspense and mystery. In “The Black Cat,” by Edgar Allen Poe, an element of mystery is constant throughout the story. The narrator describes how his “attention was suddenly drawn to some black object, reposing upon the head of one of the immense hogsheads of gin, or of rum,” (Poe). This specific example heightens the reader's curiosity in the object
The gory and bloody detail aim to evoke dislike and pity. “The Black Cat” also displays characteristics of grotesqueness throughout the whole work. The old man is described to have “grasped the poor beast by the throat and deliberately cut one of its eyes from the socket,” (Poe 2) and also “buried the axe into her [his wife] brain,” (Poe 4). The reader gets an uncomfortable reaction to these, which is what the author intended. Likewise, in “Prey,” a great amount of abnormality and frightfulness is exhibited. Specifically, Amelia is running from the doll when she realizes “both [her] legs were caking blood, some of the gashes still bleeding,” (Matheson 7). The aspect of grotesqueness distorts the normal and comfortable to add distaste to a certain subject. Various gothic authors display the themes of ambiguity and grotesqueness throughout their works. However, their intention of doing so is to ultimately increase the thrill and suspense throughout the story, while also challenging the reader’s comfort zone. Therefore, each gothic story has its own objective to teach a moral or influence the reader on an emotional