The Feather Pillow Analysis
Hispanic Gothic Literature is an intense narrative aimed at producing the effect of despair and horror in the reader. Gothic literature opens the realm of nightmares hidden in our civilized mind. It contains strong plots full of suspense, gore, and romance that has expanded to encompass films, such as, Twilight and Harry Potter, which enthrall the public.
We can observe many aspects of gothic literature in “The Feather Pillow.” The gothic writer creates an ominous atmosphere that “is pervaded by a threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown” (Haris). We observed this on Quiroga’s short story “The Feather Pillow,” when even the doctor is unable to know the protagonist sickness, he states, “She has a great weakness that I am unable …show more content…
In addition, the house is void of life “The whiteness of the silent patio--friezes, columns, and marble statues…the glacial brilliance of stucco, the completely bare walls,” which drain Alicia’s romantic dreams and leaves her like a sleeping beauty in wait of her husband (Quiroga). This sterile environment “mirrors the couple’s situation, with silence and emptiness“ (Bussing). Alicia is unable to satiate the emptiness in her soul and no longer fights for her life as she tries “not to think about anything until her husband arrived each evening,” which leads her to a tragic death (Quiroga).
I would not recommend that children under 13 read “The Feather Pillow” as it touches strong themes, in a very crude matter. When I read the story in eighth grade I remember scrutinizing my pillow and even used a flashlight. I believe kids under 13 do not have the maturity to read this story, and reading it would create confusion and fear, as this is a very macabre story. “The Feather Pillow” is a great story and a great example of Gothic Literature, however to fully understand this story there children need
We can observe many aspects of gothic literature in “The Feather Pillow.” The gothic writer creates an ominous atmosphere that “is pervaded by a threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown” (Haris). We observed this on Quiroga’s short story “The Feather Pillow,” when even the doctor is unable to know the protagonist sickness, he states, “She has a great weakness that I am unable …show more content…
In addition, the house is void of life “The whiteness of the silent patio--friezes, columns, and marble statues…the glacial brilliance of stucco, the completely bare walls,” which drain Alicia’s romantic dreams and leaves her like a sleeping beauty in wait of her husband (Quiroga). This sterile environment “mirrors the couple’s situation, with silence and emptiness“ (Bussing). Alicia is unable to satiate the emptiness in her soul and no longer fights for her life as she tries “not to think about anything until her husband arrived each evening,” which leads her to a tragic death (Quiroga).
I would not recommend that children under 13 read “The Feather Pillow” as it touches strong themes, in a very crude matter. When I read the story in eighth grade I remember scrutinizing my pillow and even used a flashlight. I believe kids under 13 do not have the maturity to read this story, and reading it would create confusion and fear, as this is a very macabre story. “The Feather Pillow” is a great story and a great example of Gothic Literature, however to fully understand this story there children need