Exploring Monstrous Margaret in Gothic Terms (Essay Sample)

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Number Date Monstrous Margaret in Gothic Terms Shirley Jackson’s “The Lovely House” is a Gothic-style story that explores dark and eerie themes. The story features characters and settings that create a sense of unease. Among these characters, Old Margaret stands out as a particularly monstrous figure. This essay aims to explore the Gothic elements present in Old Margaret’s character by discussing her qualities and characteristics. Jackson sets the tone for monstrosity with the title itself, “The Lovely House”, a place filled with dark secrets and hidden mysteries lurking within its walls, thus harboring a thick foreboding atmosphere. The architecture of the house itself serves as a physical manifestation of the Gothic style, with its old and decaying façade prevalent throughout the story. Moreover, with Old Margaret living within the walls of the tower, her presence further amplifies the sense of dread and unease. As a character who already embodies Gothic monstrosity herself, her presence within the house makes the reader wonder what secrets she may be hiding within its walls. The house also becomes a character in its own right, contributing to the overall sense of dread and unease. Elements of the supernatural are often incorporated in Gothic literature, and Old Margaret is no exception. Throughout the story, Jackson skillfully tricks readers into thinking whether Old Margaret’s powers are real or just a figure of imagination. For instance, Margaret was able to predict and foresee tragic events long before they occurred. This instance not only showcases her supernatural ability but also highlights her mysterious yet foreboding presence within the story. Additionally, her ability to manipulate the characters around her through her feelings and actions, combined with her eerie presence, further emphasizes her status as a figure of profound monstrosity in the Gothic tradition. As the story progresses, readers learn more about Margaret’s enigmatic past and secretive nature, which continuously adds to her aura of monstrosity, leaving others wary of her true intentions and fearful of what she might be capable of. Old Margaret’s isolation and alienation from society play a significant role in her portrayal of a monstrous figure in the story. By living alone in the tower, Margaret becomes a symbol of exclusion and detachment from society. Her seclusion and distance from human interaction further amplifies her sense of otherness, making her distinct and separate from the rest of humanity. Her separation from society reinforces her monstrous quality, as she exists in what is considered normal and acceptable behavior. Furthermore, Margaret’s isolation creates a sense of mystery and suspicion around her character. The lack of social interaction make...