The uncanny

Definition

The uncanny refers to a feeling of unease or discomfort that arises when something familiar becomes strange or is rendered unfamiliar. This sensation often appears in literature, particularly in the Gothic genre, where familiar settings, objects, or characters evoke fear by distorting the known into something eerie or menacing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The uncanny is rooted in the German word 'unheimlich', which translates to 'unhomely' and conveys a sense of estrangement from the familiar.
2. In Gothic literature, the uncanny can manifest through supernatural elements that blur the line between reality and illusion, leading to a sense of dread.
3. The uncanny is often linked to themes of repression, where hidden fears and desires resurface in unsettling ways, challenging characters' perceptions of reality.
4. Classic Gothic novels like Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' explore the uncanny through the creation of life, where the familiar (humanity) becomes monstrous and alien.
5. Freud's essay on the uncanny connects it to childhood fears and repressed memories, suggesting that our past experiences shape our reactions to the uncanny in literature.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the uncanny enhance character development in Gothic literature?
  • The uncanny deepens character development by exposing hidden fears and inner conflicts. Characters often grapple with their sense of identity as familiar elements shift into something disturbing. This internal struggle allows readers to connect with characters on a psychological level, revealing their vulnerabilities and complexities as they confront unsettling realities.
• In what ways does the use of setting contribute to feelings of the uncanny in Gothic novels?
  • Settings in Gothic novels often transform familiar locations into spaces that evoke fear and confusion. Abandoned castles, dark forests, or dilapidated mansions create an atmosphere where the known becomes alien. These settings distort reality by incorporating eerie elements like shadows, whispers, or spectral presences, enhancing the sense of unease and disorientation experienced by characters and readers alike.
• Evaluate the role of repressed emotions in creating an uncanny atmosphere within a Gothic narrative.
  • Repressed emotions serve as a crucial element in crafting an uncanny atmosphere by allowing hidden fears and desires to surface unexpectedly. In Gothic narratives, characters may confront manifestations of their suppressed thoughts through supernatural occurrences or eerie events. This interplay between repression and revelation not only heightens suspense but also underscores the fragility of human psyche as it grapples with the unknown.

Related terms

Familiarity: A sense of comfort or recognition that is derived from previous experiences or knowledge about a person, place, or thing.

Uncanny Valley: A concept in robotics and artificial intelligence that describes the discomfort people feel when humanoid robots or animations closely resemble humans but are not quite lifelike.

Psychological Horror: A subgenre of horror that focuses on the mental and emotional states of characters, often emphasizing psychological fear rather than supernatural elements.