Fatalistic Love in American Gothic Literature

The fatalistic tendency in the narratives of love predominates greatly in gothic literature. Lovers seem destined to be struck by misfortunes, and the little happiness they are able to enjoy is short lived. This fatalistic predisposition is maybe a way for the authors to express their hidden fear for the loss of a loved one, or the actual re-living of a loss, story after story. The fantastical objects in the story are a brief glimpse into the author's unconscious as to what haunts them. The giant in "An Account of a Beautiful Young Lady" can be said to represent the fear of loosing his lady to a better suitor and the insistence to protect Miss Davis in "Somnambulism..." could symbolize the need to protect a loved one from all kinds of harm and from oneself.

American Gothic literature is full of romance and horror. The lovers are destined to visions of torment and anguish, to loss and sadness, to hallucinations and grief. The tragic endings are maybe a warning to lovers against the foolishness of confronting all obstacles and to instead, try being submissive to other's authorities in an attempt to minimize the suffering. Or maybe, it is an encouragement to couples who decide to confront all obstacles. Whichever it is, it resides in the author's power to decide.

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