In what way is Buffy
influenced by the romantic gothic tradition? Yet how does Buffy also provide a
contemporary critique of this tradition?
Gothic romance stories can be described as a romance that
deals with desolate and mysterious and grotesque events (The Free Dictionary be
Farlex). There is always terror and mystery which usually has something to do
with the supernatural and a heroine who is forced to choose between two male characters
of opposite personalities. Buffy covers all these aspects with mystery involved
in each episode, right from the first. In the pilot episode Welcome to Hellmouth,
a stake falls from Buffy’s bag, making the audience immediately wonder just who
or what she is. She is approached by a mysterious guy who gives her snippets of
information about just what might be going on in Sunnydale. The element of
terror is of course provided by the presence of vampires. Though not shown in
the first episode Buffy is faced with romance throughout the series with
characters like Angel and Spike.
While portraying many of the traditions of gothic horror, Buffy still provides a modern take. While most traditional gothic romances are set in dark, scary places, Buffy’s setting is a seemingly innocent town, and while the series shows a number of terrifying places as settings of scenes, a more realistic perspective is provided by having it in Sunnydale. The character of Buffy herself is also a challenge to the traditions of gothic romance. While there is always a female heroine, the usual characteristics are unlike Buffy’s who is portrayed a strong (physically and mentally), no nonsense woman and she usually seems quite certain of her actions, even though they may turn out poorly.
While portraying many of the traditions of gothic horror, Buffy still provides a modern take. While most traditional gothic romances are set in dark, scary places, Buffy’s setting is a seemingly innocent town, and while the series shows a number of terrifying places as settings of scenes, a more realistic perspective is provided by having it in Sunnydale. The character of Buffy herself is also a challenge to the traditions of gothic romance. While there is always a female heroine, the usual characteristics are unlike Buffy’s who is portrayed a strong (physically and mentally), no nonsense woman and she usually seems quite certain of her actions, even though they may turn out poorly.
Features of gothic
romance novels. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, from http://www.articlesbase.com/book-reviews-articles/features-of-gothic-romance-novels-710412.html
Gothic romance.(n.d.).
Retrieved October 22, 2012, from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Gothic+romance
i want to add Gothic could define as love is frequently close to hate, jealousy and revenge.
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