Transformacje kobiety w gotycyzmie. Kulturowa feminizacja zła

Abstract

Modern Gothicism is a cultural hybrid, a sinister bricolage, that uses and transforms many classic archetypes, myths and elements, known from centuries. With a unique ability of transgression and modifications, it has always attracted all differences and dissamility that western civilisations tries so hard to ignore, avoid or hide. One of such cultural threads is a woman, which personify social oppression, isolation, persecution, alienation and unknown. Gothicism seeks her strength in both supernatural, miraculous abilities and feminine power, fascination and freed sexuality. The article analyses cultural feminization of evil in an aspect of Gothicism, starting from mythical and antique feminine characters, through medieval Slavonic vampire beliefs and legends, historical persona of Elisabeth Bathory, to seductive femme fatales from early 20th century films, and modern mass culture with it’s dark feminine icons. Feminizing of evil is particularly well portrayed through classic gothic archetype – female vampires, which, well known from antique times, became notably popular thanks to 19th century Romanticism. Thanks to romantic sensibility vampire becomes much more than just a part of folklore. Female vampire symbolises cultural rebellion, sexual emancipation, social revolution and breaking oppressive social norms. She also denies all traditional female social roles. Modern characters of femme fatale and vamps are continuation of demonic women’s phenomenon. Still present, not only in Gothicism, but also in a mass culture, equally fascinate and revolt. Woman’s transformation in Gothicism has two different dimensions. The first emphasises her liberation and emancipation through evil. Second one is transformation of of social and cultural differences and dissimilarity into the feminine gothic character.