Gothic Romantic
I’ve always been inclined towards the Gothic. I have no idea why and I’m not going to attempt to work it out. The fact is, each of us like what we like – and I most definitely veer to the darker and more tumultuous side of both literature and film when it comes to romance.
Gothic fiction combines the elements of both supernatural horror and romance, with suspense and mystery added to the mix. One premise is of a damsel in distress in an unfamiliar and frightening environment, pursued by a sinister being (usually male or otherworldly). The settings are invariably dark and atmospheric, the buildings often representing the decay of human creations and also sometimes reflect social issues of the time (especially in present-day Suburban Gothic). The stories are primarily based on fear and desire, and contain both physical and psychological terror, often delving into the dark and twisted psyche of the main characters. Of course, the focus and intensity of the above varies but, in essence, these are the fundamental elements associated with the genre.
Amongst my favourite books are, in terms of classic Gothic literature, Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dracula (no surprise there!), and Anne’s Rice’s Vampire Chronicles within Modern Gothic.
Wuthering Heights is probably (tough competition here!) my favourite of all time. So when my husband managed to get tickets to the Minack open-air Theatre across the border in Cornwall (South West England) to see the play of the book, I was beside myself with excitement. It might have been our anniversary but, of course, Batty (as you haven’t seen him for a while), Blackthorn’s mascot, had to come along too.
I first read Wuthering Heights when I was seventeen and was instantly enthralled not just by the book, but the author who so bravely wrote such a dark and tortured hero into a romantic role. I wrote a post for The Minxes of Romance a little while ago, where I admitted my encounter with Heathcliff no doubt had an impact on my view of romantic heroes.
For anyone who has read Wuthering Heights, you’ll know Heathcliff’s not exactly the most pleasant of characters, at times even tyrannical and cruel. In fact, he’d probably get quite the slating on contemporary romance reviews for what can be deemed as abhorrent actions throughout most of the book. Although his behaviour can’t be excused, what Emily Bronte achieved was to help the reader to understand him and, more importantly, empathise with his plight.
Add into the mix Catherine Earnshaw, the heroine, who has many non-redeeming features of her own, and what developed was a passionate and subsequently damaging relationship.
For me, the beauty of the book, pushing aside all those judgements of what is appropriate, right and fitting as to how heroes and heroines should behave and interact on the page, is the rawness and power of the romance.
Their love – albeit dark and tumultuous and destructive – was meant to be. What the reader is left knowing, beyond a doubt, is Heathcliff loved Catherine and Catherine loved Heathcliff. A love that survived in the end.
The most captivating moment for me is when Catherine, caught between the safe and fitting option of marrying Edgar Linton or following her heart and marrying Heathcliff, pours out her soul to Nelly:
“…he shall never know how I love him; and that, not because he’s handsome, Nelly, but because he’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same, and Linton’s is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire… My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods. Time will change it, I’m well aware, as winter changes the trees – my love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath – a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I am Heathcliff – he’s always, always in my mind – not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself – but as my own being…”
Sigh. Now that’s romance – inexplicable, hard to define and intense enough to consume.
Despite a beautiful night switching to blustery, the actors ploughed on and did a fantastic job, the weather only adding to the backdrop of this amazingly powerful story. It was, quite simply, a perfect way to spend my wedding anniversary.
And little did I know then that less than two weeks later, I’d hit number 1 in the Gothic Romance chart on Amazon.com with Blood Shadows. After so many years of admiring this genre and its authors, I guess I don’t even need to explain what a privilege that was.
I’ll be back in a couple of days to show you the other special place we visited before we headed home – and yes, Batty came too. 🙂
