Gothic Conventions

3 major themes in The Bloody Chamber:

• Gender
• Blood
• Social Taboos

How does Carter use these themes and what do they challenge?

• Inversions of gender & the exploration of reality through power

- Slowly challenges conceptions of the reader ~ are the original tales 'Socially & Politically' correct? Or do we prefer Carter's versions?

3 major themes in Wuthering Heights:

• Gender
• Setting
• Insanity

How does Bronte use these themes and what do they challenge?

• Explores boundaries of love & power

- Concepts of masculinity and femininity ( socially) challenged ~ used to push concpets of power

- Property = Power

- Initially Cathy has wealth and power whilst Heathcliff has none ~ Power considered masculine

"It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff"

- The moors = freedom , power is equal and there are no social boundaries allows for their love

3 major themes in Macbeth:

• Gender
• Supernatural
• Insanity

How does Shakespeare use these themes and what do they challenge?

• Challenges ideas of who holds power

- Macbeth gains power through violence- leads to insanity- leads to greater power hunger

- Lady Macbeths manipulative role is a subversion of gender norms

- Supernatural acts as a warning- allows 'status quo' to be challenged