Download Classic Elements of American Gothic Literature

Classic Elements of American Gothic Literature
Setting
*Large old houses, usually family
estates (America didn’t have the
castles that England did)
*Something scary (unexplainable events,
deaths, legends) happened at the
house in the past, or happens
throughout the story
Plot
*Seeks to discover secrets in a
supernatural, mysterious environment
– atmosphere of suspense
*Supernatural events – ghosts, doors
that open by themselves, etc.
*Women who are frightened or
confused, wandering around and/or
suffering and dying from some
inexplicable illness
Stylistic Choices
*Foreshadowing, omens, dreams,
visions usually contribute to the
mysterious atmosphere of the story
*Words used like “dark,” “foreboding,”
“mysterious,” “ghostly”
Psychology
*Intense emotions - terror, insanity, a
sense of impending doom, obsessive
love