Vathek

Questions About Vathek

by William Beckford

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Why is this considered a Gothic novel? it doesn't seem to have any of the elements which characterize the other gothics i'm familiar with.
Arnstein The literary genre called Gothic draws its name from two things: The period between the sacking of Rome by the Visigoths (410 CE) and the renaissance …moreThe literary genre called Gothic draws its name from two things: The period between the sacking of Rome by the Visigoths (410 CE) and the renaissance (approx. 14th century), was in the 18th century considered to be a dark, barbarous period whose sole redeeming feature was the concept of chivalry. Vathek is set somewhere between 840 and 850. The second would be the architectural style referred to (erronously) as Gothic. Vathek is not set in Europe and thus does not contain this specific style, but the focus on grand architecture is still present. The genre has a strong focus on the supernatural, which Vathek has in abundance. Other lesser elements such as the weakness of clergy and strong distinctions between innocence and malice are also present.

What is not present is a hero or heroine, and many of the genre traits are connected to these. Vathek is a villainous protagonist and so the tale does not require a polarized counterpart, instead finding the antagonist in another villain.

Other traits may apply, but I consider at least these to be important when deciding whether to tag the tale Gothic or not. Vathek has been labeled interchangeably Gothic, Oriental and fantasy, sometimes even comedy. All seem valid choices to me.(less)
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