Emotional Excess

Definition

Emotional excess refers to the intense and often overwhelming feelings that characters experience, which can lead to heightened drama and tension within a narrative. In the context of literature, particularly the Gothic genre, emotional excess serves to amplify the psychological and supernatural elements, creating an atmosphere of fear, suspense, and heightened emotion that captivates readers. This characteristic is essential in depicting the struggles and turmoil of characters as they confront their fears, desires, and societal constraints.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Emotional excess is often portrayed through characters experiencing extreme feelings such as fear, love, despair, and madness, enhancing the overall impact of the story.
2. In Gothic novels, emotional excess can manifest through supernatural occurrences that reflect the inner turmoil of characters, blending reality with fantasy.
3. This term highlights the conflict between rationality and emotion, showcasing how intense feelings can lead to irrational behavior and tragic outcomes.
4. The use of emotional excess in Gothic literature often reflects societal anxieties about morality, gender roles, and the supernatural during the time it was written.
5. Key works in the Gothic genre utilize emotional excess to build suspense and drive the narrative forward, making readers more invested in the characters' fates.

Review Questions

• How does emotional excess function to enhance character development in Gothic literature?
  • Emotional excess allows characters in Gothic literature to undergo profound transformations as they confront their intense feelings. This exploration of heightened emotions reveals their vulnerabilities, motivations, and fears, making them more relatable to readers. As characters navigate their psychological struggles and external conflicts, emotional excess serves as a catalyst for change, illustrating how extreme feelings can lead to both personal growth and tragic consequences.
• Discuss how emotional excess contributes to the overall atmosphere of fear and suspense in Gothic novels.
  • Emotional excess intensifies the atmosphere of fear and suspense in Gothic novels by amplifying characters' responses to supernatural or horrific events. The overwhelming feelings they experience often lead to irrational actions or decisions that heighten tension within the story. This interplay between emotional states and external threats creates an immersive experience for readers, who are drawn into a world where dread and excitement coexist.
• Evaluate the implications of emotional excess on societal norms as represented in Gothic literature.
  • Emotional excess in Gothic literature often serves as a critique of societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding gender roles and morality. By showcasing characters who defy these norms through their extreme emotions—such as passion or despair—authors reveal the limitations imposed on individuals by society. This exploration challenges readers to reconsider accepted beliefs about rationality, emotion, and behavior during a time when conformity was highly valued.

Related terms

Gothic Atmosphere: The dark, mysterious, and often foreboding mood created through elements such as setting, imagery, and themes in Gothic literature.

Melodrama: A dramatic form characterized by exaggerated characters and emotions, often focusing on sensational events and moral polarization.

Psychological Terror:

A form of horror that explores the inner fears and anxieties of characters, often leading to a sense of dread or impending doom.