by Lauren Reynolds

Created on: May 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 25, 2008

An author's spirit is the encompassing individuality of his or her own ideas and style. Everything from the intent to the finale defines an author's own manner. Some writers share common traits, especially if they are from the same time period. Three prominent Gothic authors, William Faulkner, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allan Poe, all share their tendency to ponder the dark and dreary. However, Faulkner and Hawthorne are more readily aligned in spirit when considering more specific aspects of their writing.

In a basic analysis, Faulkner and Hawthorne can be seen to use the same Gothic elements, as well as with the similar purpose of creating symbolism. All their uses are integrated in order to build on the value or form a deeper meaning and understanding. It is much different from Poe's approach, where he uses the strategy to emphasize physically gloomy imagery that is described explicitly in the text. Even his interpretation of the Gothic elements differs from that of Faulkner and Hawthorne. This can be seen especially with the first element, a remote location. While Poe uses a remote location in the literal sense, Roderick Usher's house in the middle of nowhere, the other two authors show a unique application. Their characters are located in functional societies; however, they separate themselves from the rest of the people. In the case of Minister Hooper, not only was he shunned from the people, but also nature respected that he should be left alone. "Even the lawless wind, it was believed, respected his dreadful secret, and never blew aside the veil" (Hawthorne 349). Emily simply disappears into her house one day, never to be seen again.

Faulkner and Hawthorne also make use of the super sensitive character, although their focus is on a psychological sensitivity. The veil affects Minister Hooper, while the concept of change torments Emily. The affect on Hooper can be seen directly through his actions as he evades allowing anyone to see his face, including himself. "In truth, his own antipathy to the veil was known to be so great that he never willingly passed before a mirror, nor stooped to drink at a still fountain, lest, in its peaceful bosom, he should be affrighted by himself" (Hawthorne 349). Emily's words lead the audience to the same conclusion. She, refusing to pay taxes, tells the Board of Alderman that Colonel Sartoris has excused her and insisted that they go talk to him. She ignores the fact that Colonel Sartoris had been dead for ten years

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