Portrayal of Gothic Images

Portrayal of Gothic Images

When the topic of Gothic literature is discussed most readers immediately think of vampire stories, tales of horror, terror and supernatural tales, but the use of Gothic in poetry also has enhanced the images within works of poetry such as "The Poor Singing Dame" and "The Lady of Shallot". While the longer stories can elaborate upon the defining characteristics of the genre, the poet can create the same chilling fantasies with limited words as seen in the Gothic style poems.

"The Poor Singing Dame" is told in story format by an observing narrator. The narrator uses a rhyme scheme that is ABCBDEDE, therefore the third from the last, and the last line in every stanza rhyme. If one were to read it aloud it gives of a singing tone that is supposed to be a nursery rhyme for little children. Although the tone of this poem might sound sweet and innocent, it is actually a sinister poem, which contains mysterious images throughout.

Gothic characteristics appear in both "The poor singing Dame," and "The Lady of Shallot". The intention of the author is to evoke terror from the readers, and the setting is normally one that contains darkness, which is a symbol of evil. Mary Robinson who wrote "The Poor Singing Dame" uses different literary techniques throughout the poem, and the rhyme scheme gives the reader a false connotation.

The narrator describes the two settings in The Poor Singing Dame in contrast to each other. The way the castle is and hut is depicted is opposite of what one might imagine. The huge castle is very old, and uncared for, and this description provides the reader with a dark, ominous feeling.

In the lady Of Shallot it is described as "four grey walls, and four gray towers". The tower color gives the reader a sense of dullness portraying no hope for the Lady of Shallot.

After the Dame died in "The Poor Singing Dame", the tone of the poem (while speaking of the woman) switched from joy, to melancholy. While the flowers still grew, and "the bright dews of twilight bespangled her grave," they were honoring her life, and showing sorrow at her death. Giving human qualifications (sorrow) to inanimate objects (flowers) is called anthropomorphism. Robinson uses this technique throughout the poem in order to evoke pity from the audience. The only thing