Where it all began

The Goth subculture is a contemporary trend found in many countries. It began in England during the early 1980s in the gothic rock scene, an offshoot of the post-punk genre. Its imagery indicates influences from the 19th century Gothic literature along with horror films. The term "Gothic" was used in the Renaissance to describe certain types of art and architecture in the Middle Ages, according to Shelley Esaak's Art History 101. In the 18th century the term "Gothic" morphed into a genre of literature that had elements of horror. Esther Lombardi's Classic Literature Guide describes the genre as "characterized by supernaturalism, melodrama, and sensationalism." In the late 20th century it morphed again into a style and subculture characterized by heavy eyeliner and all-black clothing.