novel philosophy

Social media is full of growing aesthetics. The ability to add pics and videos to our posts has led to mood boards galore. We can create styles based on specific themes and inspirations to recreate a well-known aesthetic. We have our minimalists with their oversimplified lives. Or, the boho creatives with plants crawling up their walls. Each aesthetic comes with its own specific set of expectations. If you want to fit in, you have to stick with the style.

Don’t even think about using shiplap in your modern home!

In the ever-increasing edited lives of social media, you probably encounter these aesthetics more often than you think. During my book-influencer era, I came across one aesthetic that caught my interest and quickly became one of my favorite filters. The moody and warm vibes of dark academia take me back to the classic lit that I love. Fascinated by a world in which I generally knew nothing, I decided to do a deep dive on the topic.

What is dark academia?

Dark Academia is a subculture inspired by Gothic literature and a love for learning holding to an idealized view of higher education.

As hinted at above, dark academia is more than a filter or visual aesthetic, it has quickly become an entire subculture. This culture is defined by gothic architecture, large and cozy furniture, and rooms filled with dark vibrant fabrics contrasting with dark wood tones. Think of the beauty of Downtown Abbey in a somewhat more modern setting.

Those in the dark academia community value higher learning. They maintain a love for philosophy, literature, and learning. They have a passion for the classical arts inspired by a more traditional, European-style boarding school atmosphere. Discussions often revolve around the deeper areas of life considering the meaning of life, the tragedies of heartbreak, and even escapism from our dreary lives.

This subculture goes beyond filters and social media videos, it can be found in fashion, movies, literature, and even music. Yes, check out Spotify to find your favorite dark academia playlist! I imagine you’ll find a song or two from Hozier…

A Brief History

Now, let’s go back to the roots. Where did this trend begin?

Its earliest influences reach back into classic literature. Many of the themes of dark academia can be found in writings by Edgar Allen Poe, Mary Shelley, and other Gothic writers. Famous inspirational works include The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

These books dive into the darker areas of life. Shelley toys with the dangers of man’s creations while Fitzgerald highlights the pitfalls of obsession and love. These themes of moral ambiguity and intellectualism still drive the genre today.

Film and TV gave dark academia further room to expand. Movies such as Dead Poets Society and Mona Lisa Smile gave viewers a romanticized glimpse at college life. Gilmore Girls equally represented those with a love for academics in the life and choices of Rory Gilmore. With a little magic thrown in, Harry Potter gave rise to a whole new group of dark academics. Harry’s time spent at Hogwarts created a whole new generation of dark academics with its fascinating history, avid learning, and moral challenges.

The rise of social media provided a new opportunity for these intellectual elites to connect. Algorithms and hashtags allow dark academia creators to connect. No more trying to fit in at school by pretending you’re normal. Now you can escape to the world wide web to share images and videos while establishing your mark on the aesthetic.

This shift to social media allows dark academia to thrive as a subculture.

Let’s Talk About the Lit

Key Examples

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Because this blog covers all things literature, we have to talk about the books. The genre itself begins with The Secret History by Donna Tartt. First published in 1992, this story follows a group of misfits at a prestigious New England college. Their search for the highest forms of intellectualism leads them down a path far from the morality of society. The academic setting and dark themes of its characters established the foundation of a genre with many more works to come.

Despite arriving on the literary scene well before the creation of the genre, The Picture of Dorian Gray has become a prime example. In it, Dorian Gray falls deeper into a life of debauchery and evil. While he maintains his youthful appearance, his portrait grows increasingly more sinister. He becomes desperate to hide such an image from those around him. The depravity of mankind set in Victorian society exemplifies the heart of dark literature.

Common Trends

• University Settings
• Psychological Depth

To identify dark academic lit, you have to look for a few common trends. Perhaps the most obvious is the academic setting. I mean, it’s literally in the name.

Dark academics are known for their fondness of an academic setting. Perhaps it’s the connection to Gothic architecture, a greater history, or the opportunity to explore unknown places, people, or even ideas. We all know secret societies run rampant on college campuses. So, if your next read takes place at a historic college or boarding school, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered a piece of dark academic lit.

A dark academic book is not complete without some deep psychological damage. Dark and tragic themes fill these books as characters meet the darkest versions of themselves and others. They’re often faced with the darker questions of life and then faced with the consequences. Don’t expect a happy ending here.

Why do we love it so much?

Given its dark and disturbing nature, why are we so captivated by dark academia? Perhaps it’s the chance to look in the mirror and truly reveal the depths of evil we see in others and even ourselves. Or, maybe we recognized the dangers of extreme intellectualism and the decisions it can lead us to make.

Though, like most books, it’s simply a chance to explore a new world while briefly escaping our own.

How to Participate

After my lovely and thoughtfully written post, you’re ready to join in. Here are a few quick ways to join the ranks of the dark academics and start your journey into this fascinating subculture.

1. Start Reading

The best way to participate is to first understand its foundation. Read the Gothics, read the classics, and give Donna Tartt’s novel a try.

As you read, you’ll pick up on the consistent themes that connect the genre throughout its history.

2. Refersh your style.

It’s time to pull out your best preppy goth! Think sweater vests and collared shirts. Girls often wear skirts or dresses with those classy oxfords in tow. There’s plenty of inspiration on the internet.

3. Invest in a library card.

What better place to find mystery and intrigue! It helps if your library is historic, but wandering through bookshelves will certainly get you in the proper mood.

4. Enroll in your nearest college or university.

This one is a bit obvious, isn’t it? Although the cost might not be worth the reward.

5. Investigate a local mystery or secrety society.

First, I caution you to stay smart and make wise decisions. By no means should you put yourself in harm’s way. But, a little mystery can help you connect to dark academia. Just try and avoid their tragic ending.

Final Thoughts

So, there it is a deep dive into the growing subculture of dark academia. I hope you learned something along the way, I know I certainly did.

This is one of many subcultures gaining followers on social media. I chose it because of its connection to classic lit. I grew up on works by Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters, Tolkien, and other incredible authors. It’s fascinating to see the way their work has inspired a whole new generation.

While the times and settings change, the inescapable nature of humanity hangs around for the next set of authors to uncover.

---

Keep reading…

---

About the Author