Taboo

Definition

A taboo is a social or cultural prohibition against certain actions, behaviors, or discussions that are considered unacceptable or forbidden. These restrictions often arise from moral, religious, or societal beliefs and can vary significantly across different cultures and time periods. In the context of the Gothic and Romantic movements, taboos are frequently explored to challenge societal norms, provoke thought, and evoke strong emotional responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Gothic literature, taboos are often explored through themes of death, sexuality, and madness, creating tension and evoking fear.
2. Romantic writers frequently challenged taboos surrounding nature and emotion, advocating for individual expression against societal constraints.
3. Taboos can serve as a mechanism for character development in literature, revealing deeper psychological conflicts within protagonists as they navigate forbidden desires.
4. The exploration of taboo subjects in both movements often reflects the anxieties and fears of the time, addressing issues like class disparity and moral hypocrisy.
5. Cultural taboos highlighted in these literary movements can spark discussions about morality, ethics, and the human experience, encouraging readers to question societal norms.

Review Questions

• How do Gothic and Romantic writers use taboos to enhance the themes in their works?
  • Gothic and Romantic writers often utilize taboos to heighten tension and explore deep emotional conflicts. By confronting subjects such as death, sexuality, and madness, these authors challenge societal norms while inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs. The taboo becomes a powerful tool for examining human nature and the complexities of existence, pushing characters toward intense experiences that reveal both personal and cultural struggles.
• Discuss the significance of transgression in relation to taboo in the context of Gothic literature.
  • Transgression is significant in Gothic literature as it embodies the violation of taboos that characters frequently encounter. The act of transgressing societal boundaries creates suspense and evokes fear, allowing writers to explore themes of isolation and despair. Characters who break these prohibitions often face dire consequences, reflecting both personal struggles and broader societal critiques that reveal the dark underbelly of human nature.
• Evaluate how the portrayal of feminine Gothic addresses societal taboos concerning women's roles during the Romantic period.
  • The portrayal of feminine Gothic plays a crucial role in evaluating societal taboos surrounding women's roles during the Romantic period. By focusing on female protagonists who confront oppressive norms and expectations, these works highlight the limitations imposed on women in society. This genre not only challenges traditional views but also encourages a re-examination of gender dynamics and cultural perceptions of femininity, ultimately advocating for greater autonomy and self-expression among women.

Related terms

Transgression: An act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; often used in literature to signify the violation of societal norms.

The Sublime: A concept in aesthetics referring to the quality of greatness or vastness that inspires awe, often connected to experiences that confront taboos.

Feminine Gothic: A subgenre of Gothic literature that addresses issues related to gender and female identity, often highlighting societal taboos surrounding women.