Value Of Women In Gothic Literature Essay

A value common in many gothic texts is that of the role of women, who are generally demonstrated as weak and incapable, especially in difficult and unfamiliar circumstances. In “The Turn of the Screw,” for example, the governess and even Mrs Grose are determined to protect and mother the children yet; ironically, they cannot even go as far as to protect themselves mentally. Correspondingly, in “Shutter Island,” it is implied that Teddy’s psychological insecurity is only there due to the trauma his manic depressive wife caused on him. Like how the governess potentially negatively influenced the children, Teddy’s wife also potentially negatively influenced her husband. And all this is due to the personal psychological feebleness of these two women, thus emphasizing the gothic value of the weakness of women.

A second notable value is that of the role of religion. In “The Turn of the Screw,” for example, when the household is on the way to church, a place stereotypically filled with goodness, little Miles questions the governess about when he will be returning to school in a way that is so innocent and oblivious that it is almost sadistic, since it is obviously implied that he was expelled for a somewhat felonious act. This irony, the very fact that they are approaching a church and Miles is considerable sinner, emphasizes the little
For example, in “The Turn of the Screw,” candlelight and darkness symbolize safety and unsafety respectively. For instance, whenever the governess’ candle is blown out, it is a suggestion that danger is about. On a similar note, fire is a symbol in “Shutter Island.” Every time Teddy is around a fire, he hallucinates – it is a symbol of his insane fantasy word. On the other hand, water symbolizes Teddy’s reality. His wife drowns his children in water and every time Teddy is near it, he feels physically