| dc.description.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. | en_EN |
