Are you writing a Gothic fiction novel and do you need some words to describe a Gothic setting! Continue reading for today’s lesson!
1. Decrepit
Definition
Old and falling apart due to lack of care or overuse.
Examples
“The book was so decrepit that when she picked it up it threatened to fall apart in her hands.”
“The house had been empty for decades, and so was so decrepit that they wondered if they would ever be able to renovate it.”
How it Adds Description
Often within Gothic novels, things are left to decay or are untouched for many years. Naturally, this means that they start to fall apart, making “decrepit” a great way to describe them! Items can also become “decrepit” from overuse, so it’s perfect to describe an item that a character might obsess over.
2. Foreboding
Definition
A feeling that something bad may happen soon.
Examples
“The dark corridor gave him a shiver of foreboding, but it was too late to turn back now.”
“As soon as they opened the door, the air was heavy with dust and foreboding.”
How it Adds Description
Gothic settings can often be sites of tragedy and misfortune, and it might be that your characters pick up on that, or you want to let your readers know that something bad is coming. “Foreboding” is a great way to describe the atmosphere or even objects!
3. Grandiose
Definition
Something large or incredibly detailed that is designed to appear important.
Examples
“The duchess descended the grandiose staircase of the mansion to greet her guests.”
“His speech was full of grandiose gestures and platitudes which made her sick to her stomach.”
How it Adds Description
Often, places within Gothic literature were once opulent and rich, meaning the word “grandiose” can be used in two ways. It can be used to show that it is a shadow of its former self, or give an imposing feel to places and objects.
4. Macabre
Definition
Being related to death and usually causing an adverse reaction.
Examples
“His room was filled with macabre drawings and sketches that made some of the officers feel uneasy.”
“His humor tended to lean towards the macabre, which could be off-putting to some, but made others enjoy his company all the more.”
How it Adds Description
The Gothic has close links to death and the “macabre”, so it should become an essential part of your vocabulary if you are writing a Gothic story! It can be used to describe settings, items, and even people, so provides great versatility in your writing. It can also help to show what characters might have stronger stomachs than others, as some may find something in your story to be macabre, whereas others might be unfazed by it.
5. Moth-eaten
Definition
Old, and often with holes in it, most likely from being eaten by moths.
Examples
“She pulled back the moth-eaten curtain to reveal the boy trying to hide behind it.”
“The widow was still in her mourning dress, by now so incredibly moth-eaten that it barely clung to her body.”
How it Adds Description
“Moth-eaten” items can show a state of decay that is perfect for gothic settings. It shows how long things have been left, but can also refer to plans or concepts that have been left to stagnate over a period of time without being changed or amended, perfect for someone with fixed views.
6. Neglected
Definition
Not being given care or attention.
Examples
“The garden was covered in weeds and harsh thorns and brambles brushed up against her clothing. It had clearly been neglected for some time.”
“The prisoner had been neglected in his cell for years, and was a shadow of the man that he used to be.”
How it Adds Description
“Neglected” gives a sense of abandonment and can describe settings that have been devoid of human life for some time which can be useful for Gothic writing. It also shows a lack of attention, which can show how certain characters treat others or help to show that they have gone so far downhill that they are unable to care for anything around them.
7. Nightmarish
Definition
Incredibly scary or disturbing.
Examples
“If he was going to do anything, it would be to escape this nightmarish hellscape and make his way back to civilization.”
“The nightmarish eyes of the painting seemed to stare through her soul, even when she turned away from it.”
How it Adds Description
Rather than just saying something in your writing is “scary”, using “nightmarish” can pack more of a punch. It gives the impression that something is almost so frightening that it isn’t real, making it perfect for Gothic stories!
8. Sinister
Definition
Something evil or that gives the impression of something bad happening.
Examples
“As he realized that they had fallen right into his trap, the man gave a sinister grin.”
“As he walked through the courtyard, sinister gargoyles looked on from above.”
How it Adds Description
“Sinister” is a fantastic way to show something as evil, but also to add some anticipation and foreshadowing, too! It can show that something bad is yet to come, keeping your reader on their toes.
9. Somber
Definition
- Serious, often of a sad nature.
- Dark and shadowy.
Examples
“Every single portrait along the hallway had a somber, disapproving expression.”
“Her outfit had no shred of color anywhere to be seen, and was as somber as she was.”
How it Adds Description
“Somber” is a word that helps to indicate dark, gloomy, or melancholy settings, face expressions, or feelings. As a result, it’s great to add into your repertoire when it comes to Gothic writing.
10. Stagnant
Definition
- Not flowing or moving.
- Unchanging.
Examples
“As she opened the door to the old mansion, stagnant air filled her lungs.”
“The village had been stagnant for decades, its people refusing to adapt to modern technologies and conveniences.”
How it Adds Description
Often places and people in Gothic settings are unchanging, or have been untouched for a long period of time, such as old buildings. Using “stagnant” can help you to explain this, either by talking about air or water, or the attitudes of people.