The Gothic (literary genre)

The Gothic is a literary genre that emerged in the late 18th century, characterized by its focus on dark, mysterious, and often eerie settings like ancient castles or abandoned mansions. It explores themes of fear, the supernatural, and human psychology, often featuring protagonists facing danger, secrets, or moral dilemmas. Gothic stories create an atmosphere of suspense and evoke intense emotions, combining horror, romance, and the supernatural to explore the darker aspects of human nature and unconscious fears. Prominent examples include Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Bram Stoker's "Dracula."