East Michigan News

Lightning and haunted castles are staples of Gothic storytelling, a genre distinct from horror. Jeffrey Weinstock, a faculty member at Central Michigan University, explains the nuances between these two often-confused genres.

Weinstock notes that while "Gothic" and "horror" are sometimes used interchangeably, they differ fundamentally. Gothic is a literary genre marked by spooky atmospheres and supernatural elements, emerging in the late eighteenth century. Horror, on the other hand, is an emotion that twentieth-century advertising linked to films described as “horrible” or “horrifying.”

Although there is overlap between Gothic and horror stories, not all Gothic tales are terrifying, nor do all horror stories create a Gothic atmosphere. The Gothic often explores how the past haunts the present through ghosts and hauntings—both literal and metaphorical.

Characteristic settings of Gothic fiction include old castles and haunted mansions where history's ghosts can manifest. The genre delves into themes of murder, incest, abuse, and monstrous appetites threatening innocence.

Contemporary films like Guillermo del Toro’s "Crimson Peak," James Watkins’ "The Woman in Black," and Robert Eggers’ "The Lighthouse" incorporate strong Gothic elements. Television series such as Mike Flanagan’s Netflix miniseries "The Haunting of Hill House" also highlight these themes.

Goth music draws inspiration from tales by authors like Edgar Allan Poe with morbid themes reflecting death. The goth subculture is known for its distinctive style featuring black clothing and Victorian-inspired attire.

Weinstock describes the world of the Gothic as one filled with lurking threats beyond our immediate perception. These threats may be literal monsters or metaphoric ghosts from a violent past waiting to be uncovered.

Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock holds multiple roles related to American Gothic studies at Central Michigan University and various literary organizations.