One of the well - known 18th - century gothic novels is 'The Castle of Otranto' by Horace Walpole. It is often considered the first gothic novel, filled with elements like mystery, horror, and the supernatural in a medieval - like setting.
Typically, they have elements of mystery. For example, in 'The Castle of Otranto', there are strange happenings like the appearance of a gigantic helmet that crush people, and the mystery of why these things occur keeps the reader intrigued.
One famous 20th - century gothic novel is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. It has a great sense of mystery and a spooky atmosphere around the old mansion.
There is also 'Eline Vere' by Louis Couperus. This novel delves into the complex emotions and social situations of the upper - class Dutch society in the 19th century. It shows the strict social hierarchies, the restricted lives of women, and the inner turmoil of the characters within that society.
Well, 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu is a notable 19th - century gothic novel. It features a female vampire, which was quite different from the more common male vampire stories at the time. Then there's 'Uncle Silas' by Sheridan Le Fanu as well. It has a suspenseful plot filled with mystery and a sense of impending doom. And 'The Mysteries of Udolpho' by Ann Radcliffe, which was extremely popular in the 19th century. It has all the hallmarks of gothic literature like a young heroine in a forbidding castle, secret passages, and an air of mystery.
One of the best is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It explores themes of creation, monstrosity, and the limits of science. Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, which introduced the iconic vampire figure. 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson is also notable for its exploration of the duality of human nature.
The 20th century gothic novels are marked by certain features. They tend to blend elements of horror and romance. There are often themes of isolation, as seen in characters being cut off from the outside world in some way, whether it's in a remote castle or a small, secluded village. The use of symbolism is also common, such as the storm representing chaos or a particular flower symbolizing death or love. These elements work together to create a unique literary experience that both thrills and makes the reader think.
They often feature supernatural elements such as ghosts, vampires or other unearthly creatures. For example, in some 17th - century gothic novels, the appearance of a ghostly figure in an abandoned wing of a castle drives the plot forward. The characters in these novels are usually complex, with the hero or heroine often being in a state of distress or facing some sort of inner turmoil. This could be due to a family curse or being trapped in a menacing situation within the gothic setting.
They often have elements like gloomy settings, such as old castles. There's also a sense of mystery and the supernatural. For example, in 'The Castle of Otranto', the appearance of giant figures and strange happenings create an eerie atmosphere.
Edgar Allan Poe is a well - known one. His works are filled with gothic elements like mystery and the macabre.