12/26/2023 0 Comments Gothic literature imagesWhat we call Gothic architecture was the prominent style of Northern Europe, and was much more asymmetrical and ornamental compared to Southern Classical architecture.īoth architectural styles where traditionally used for ecclesiastical purposes, to construct churches and cathedrals, yet they were strictly on opposing sides in terms of rules and ideals. We can best understand this deviation by looking at the difference between Gothic and Classical architecture. Goth and Gothic then became synonymous with anything different to mainstream classical ideals developed by the Romans and Ancient Greeks. If we think of the word 'Goth' sounding like 'Off', we can hear how the terms Goth and Gothic where used to describe anything off culture or off course, and therefore originally being a term to describe something as alternative and anticultural. Although this was not entirely historically accurate it became the widespread story, and the Goth's were viewed as barbaric, treacherous pagans who opposed knowledge and progress. The original Goths were the Germanic tribes (Goths, Visogoths, Ostrogoths) who are credited with destroying the Roman Empire. This dark age was brought on by the first heroes of darkness, the first Goths. A Medieval Age thought to be un-enlightened and primitive, full of illness and chaos, when in reality it was civilized but alternative to the classical values and societies of the 'ancient world'. This depiction was not far removed from the traditional conception of western medieval history, commencing from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. In the lines of Byron's Gothic poem above we are submerged into a horrific world void of light and reason. So lets dive into the darkness and travel from the Arch to the Art, from Poet to Rockstar and explore why dancing with the devils is far better than sitting bored on high with the angels. In this article we will briefly charter the history of the Gothic, revealing its characters and champions across history, literature, architecture and music. In its every magnificent and terrifying manifestation the Gothic has proven to counter the status quo and mainstream opinion, cultivating a space beyond the frontiers of our known and accepted existence. For the Gothic has been around for centuries, taking on many guises and forms throughout the arts. But to think the Gothic is something new, and just a passing phase, would be an erroneous and most unforgivable mistake. Today, the Gothic is normally thought of as a teenage fantasy and attraction, and often gets attached to the persona of the gloomy, moody teenager who can't displace their angst with the world. At some point in our life we have put on that black dress or jacket, or a combination of the two, prompting our friends to be shocked, amused, even impressed and say, 'Wow, you look like a Goth!' M aybe we have even called someone a 'Goth' ourselves, referencing the subculture of people who wear dark items of clothing and makeup to convey a mysterious, antiquarian and darkly alternative personality.
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