The uncanny

Definition

The uncanny refers to a feeling of unease or discomfort that arises when something familiar is rendered strange or alien, evoking a sense of eeriness. This concept plays a vital role in Gothic literature, as it blurs the line between reality and the supernatural, stirring deep psychological responses in characters and readers alike. The uncanny often manifests through motifs like doppelgängers, haunted settings, and repressed fears, creating a chilling atmosphere that resonates throughout the Gothic genre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The uncanny often emerges from a clash between what is known and what is unknown, producing a sense of discomfort due to its paradoxical nature.
2. In Gothic literature, settings such as abandoned castles or dark forests amplify the uncanny by invoking feelings of fear and the unknown.
3. The presence of doppelgängers in Gothic texts illustrates the uncanny by presenting familiar figures in unsettling contexts, forcing characters to confront their own identities.
4. The uncanny is frequently linked to themes of repressed emotions or traumas that resurface, creating psychological tension within characters.
5. Writers like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley used the uncanny to explore existential fears, enhancing the emotional depth and horror of their narratives.

Review Questions

• How does the uncanny create tension in Gothic literature?
  • The uncanny creates tension in Gothic literature by introducing familiar elements that become unsettling. This tension arises when characters encounter situations or figures that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. The familiar yet strange elements invoke fear and confusion, pushing characters into psychological confrontations with their own identities and fears.
• Discuss how settings contribute to the theme of the uncanny in Gothic novels.
  • Settings play a crucial role in establishing the theme of the uncanny in Gothic novels. Dark, abandoned castles or eerie landscapes evoke feelings of isolation and dread, heightening readers' emotional responses. These settings often serve as reflections of characters' internal struggles and fears, making the environment itself feel alive with supernatural implications and creating an atmosphere ripe for uncanny experiences.
• Evaluate the impact of Freud's interpretation of the uncanny on our understanding of Gothic literature.
  • Freud's interpretation of the uncanny significantly enhances our understanding of Gothic literature by framing it as a confrontation with repressed fears and desires. His theories suggest that the uncanny arises from unresolved psychological conflicts, which are vividly expressed in Gothic narratives through motifs like haunted spaces and dual identities. This perspective deepens our appreciation for how authors use the uncanny to explore complex human emotions and societal anxieties, ultimately enriching the reader's engagement with these texts.

Related terms

Uncanny Valley: A phenomenon where humanoid objects, such as robots or animated characters, evoke discomfort when they appear almost, but not quite, human.

Freudian Theory: A psychological framework developed by Sigmund Freud that explores the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior, including concepts related to repression and the uncanny.

Supernatural: Elements or occurrences that defy the laws of nature, often featured in Gothic literature to enhance feelings of the uncanny.