Question

What is meant by the word "Gothic," and how does it's original meaning differ from the way we tend to use it today? How did that meaning shift occur? You may have to look forward in history a bit to some material we haven't covered to really answer this. Or google it. That works, too!

Answer 1

• Today, the word Gothic primarily describes a style of European architecture which flourished from the twelfth through the sixteenth centuries, though the word seems originally to have referred to any non-classical (Greek or Roman) architecture.
• Gothic architecture used pointed arches and vaults, flying buttresses, narrow spires, stained glass windows, intricate traceries, and varied details; its upward movement was meant to suggest heavenward aspiration.
• By the eighteenth century in England, Gothic had become synonymous with the Middle Ages, a period which was in disfavor because it was perceived as chaotic, unenlightened, and superstitious. Renaissance critics erroneously believed that Gothic architecture was created by the Germanic tribes and regarded it as ugly and barbaric. This erroneous attribution continued through the eighteenth century.
  
• In the early 1800's, Gothic Fiction was more about invoking fear in the reader. The language was very descriptive and very graphic. eg. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Whereas, what is considered to be "Gothic" nowadays tends to combine other genres, such as romance, adventure and mystery.
• Due to time limit,any remaining questions can be asked as another question,they will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation