1. Classic Elements of American Gothic Literature

2. 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

3. 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

4. Style
Foreshadowing, omens, dreams, visions usually contribute to the mysterious atmosphere of the story
Words used like “dark,” “foreboding,” “mysterious,” “ghostly”

5. Psychology
Gothic stories seek to bring-out intense emotions within the reader. A reader might experience feelings of terror, insanity, and/or a sense of impending doom.
Characters within a Gothic work may possess a kind of obsessive love for another character in the work. This love may be the reason a character acts the way s/he does.