The Spectres of Gothic Literature in JO NESBØ’S the Redbreast

Abstract

Gothic literature is characterized by its focus on mysterious and often supernatural elements, as well as an exploration of psychological and emotional extremes. And although Gothic fiction appears to be dissimilar from crime fiction, there are similarities between those two subgenres of fiction. In this attempt of discovering elements of Gothic literature in crime fiction, the Norwegian Jo Nesbø’s literary oeuvre emerges as an outstanding field of investigation of possible juxtapositions. The objective of the article is the analysis of Jo Nesbø’s The Redbreast focusing upon the detective Harry Hole’s struggle with both criminals in Norway and his inner demons and the presentation of Gothic elements in the novel. The analytical approach will focus upon such concepts as dark and mysterious settings; complex characters, evil criminals; themes of madness, crime, and malevolence; a psychological exploration of the wicked, and the elements of the supernatural.