ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is to show the significan practical value of literary works. Edgar Allen Poe is commonly recognized by the literatis as a pioneer of Gothic novel, and he had a profound impact on the American modern film production. This paper will analyze the ways of U.S. film industry as how it was inspired by Gothic elements in Poe’s novel in following aspects:1 The pioneering and systematical Gothic elements in Poe’s fiction; 2 Analysis of the psychological changes caused by Gothic elements in the Poe’s works; 3 In American film industry, how these Gothic elements are represented to show and influence people’s actions and awareness;4 To analyze these Gothic elements from both positive and negative sides.

This paper analyzes it’s the application and innovative methods of Gothic elements as they were produced in movies. The paper will contain analyses of psychological knowledge, visual effects and acoustic effects of Gothic elements in American film industry. In a conclusion, the paper aims to classify American modern film industry, and find out how many of them are inspired by Gothic elements which appeared in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story.

Key words: Poe;Gothic element; American film

CONTENTS

摘要

ABSTRACT

1. Introduction-1

2. Edgar Allen Poe and Gothic Literature-1

2.1 The definition of the term "Gothic"-1

2.2 Poe and Gothic Literature-2

2.3 American Horror Film Industry-3

3. Gothic Architecture and Fear Inspired by These Buildings-4

3.1-Haughty，Lofty Edifice-4

3.1.1 Isolated Position-5

3.1.2 Dilapidatedstructure-6

3.1.3 Haunted House which are oftenRelated to Legends-6

3.2. Maze or Labyrinthine Structure of Gothic buildings-7

3.2.1Secluded Place: Closets, Rooms, Decoration Doors that Open to the Devil World-7

3.2.2Interlocked Pathways that Lead to the Underworld-8

4. Sickness and Psychology-9

4.1 Morbid Features of Sick Appearances.-10

4.1.1 Morbid Facial Features that Reminded Readers of Vampires-10

4.1.2Unproportional Body Parts.-11

4.2 Nameless Sickness and Unreasonable Pestilent-12

4.2.1Nameless Sickness that Reflect Character’s Minds-12

4.2.2Unreasonable Pestilent which arises the Fear of Unknown-13

5.The Death of Beautiful Female Figures and the Reanimation of the Dead-14

5.1 The Death of Beautiful Beloved Female Figures-14

5.2 The Reanimation of the Dead and Zombie Film-14

6 Conclusion-15

Acknowledgements-17

References-18