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Gothic elements in Shelley's Prometheus Unbound
Biographers have reported Shelley's interest in Gothicism, and critics have suggested that Shelley's later poetry contains transformed Gothic elements. The purpose of this present study is to ascertain what Gothic elements are present in Prometheus Unbound and to determine if these elements are prominent enough to justify classifying the lyrical drama as a part of the Gothic tradition. Relying on the authority of scholars and critics, I have designated three elements as Gothic in the first Chapter: terror atmosphere, action centered around a Gothic hero-villain, and mystery. Chapter two relates Shelley to the Gothic tradition, and chapter three shows how Shelley's interest in Gothicism is consistent with his interest in Prometheus Bound. Brought it about. Three aspects of the life process particularly fascinate them: death, natural law, and the identity of the supreme ruler of the universe. When the characters of Shelley's world search for the solution to these mysteries, they learn only that they are incapable of comprehending the answers. Because of terror atmosphere, action centered around a hero-villain, and mystery play an important role in Prometheus Unbound, Shelley's lyrical drama can be classified as work that follows the Gothic tradition.
Ph. D. in English Texas A & M University