American Gothic Literature

American Gothic Literature is a genre that explores dark themes, fear, and the mysterious within American culture and history. It often features settings like old houses or rural areas, and characters who grapple with psychological torment, social decay, or supernatural elements. The genre reflects concerns about morality, identity, and the unknown, revealing underlying anxieties of American society. Notable examples include Nathaniel Hawthorne’s stories and Edgar Allan Poe’s tales, as well as later works like William Faulkner's or Stephen King’s. Overall, it uses eerie, unsettling atmospheres to probe profound human and societal issues.