What are some common Gothic novel themes in American novels?

In African American Gothic short stories, a frequently seen theme is the intergenerational transmission of trauma. The horrors of the past, such as slavery and segregation, are passed down through generations, and this is often depicted through Gothic devices. Another common theme is the fight for freedom, not just physical freedom but also mental and emotional freedom. The stories also tend to explore the relationship between the individual and the community, especially in the context of a society that has marginalized African Americans. This is often done in a way that combines the spooky and the psychological, creating a unique and poignant literary experience.

American Gothic novels were novels that depicted dark, mysterious, romantic, or horror elements in the United States, usually with the style and plot of Gothic architecture. The origins of American Gothic novels can be traced back to the 1920s and 1930s, when Gothic architecture became popular in the United States. Many people began to write novels with the theme of Gothic architecture. These novels usually include dark, mysterious, romantic, or horror elements such as vampires, monsters, magic, supernatural events, and ancient buildings. Keats, George Orwell, Eliot, Maugham, Ernest, Faulkner, and so on. These unique language and gorgeous descriptions were known to be loved by readers. American Gothic novels occupied a certain position in American literature and were widely praised and appreciated.

American novels use Gothic themes to add depth and a sense of the macabre. Gothic themes such as the supernatural, the grotesque, and the idea of the double are often present. In some American novels, there are often family secrets that are slowly uncovered, creating suspense. This is similar to how Gothic novels build tension. Gothic themes can also be used to comment on society, for instance, by showing the decay or the hidden evils within a community.

One of the most famous American Gothic novels is 'The Fall of the House of Usher' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's filled with a sense of decay and dread. Another is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, which has elements of Gothic such as the wild and desolate moors setting and the complex, passionate relationships that are often tinged with darkness.

One of the best American gothic novels is 'The House of the Seven Gables' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It features a cursed family and a gloomy, old house with a long and dark history.

Another theme is individualism. American novels frequently explore characters who break away from society's norms to find their own identity. 'Moby - Dick' is a great example where Captain Ahab's single - minded pursuit of the white whale is a display of extreme individualism.

The theme of power dynamics is also prevalent. There is often a power struggle between the characters, especially in relationships that have an erotic element. For example, in some novels, a powerful vampire might hold power over a human lover. Also, the concept of death and the afterlife is a recurring theme. It's intertwined with the idea of passion and love, as if the characters are defying death through their erotic relationships.

One common theme is the exploration of forbidden desires. In these novels, characters often have desires that are considered taboo in society, and the gothic setting provides a backdrop for these desires to be explored in a more extreme and mysterious way.

One common theme is the exploration of the past haunting the present. For example, in many recent novels, an old family secret or a historical event in the location of the story, like an old murder in a mansion, resurfaces to terrify the characters.

Love against all odds is another theme. Just like in traditional gothic romances, in lgbt gothic novels, the lovers often have to face many obstacles. These could be social norms, family disapproval, or the very real threats in the gothic environment such as a menacing figure or a cursed place. Take 'Carmilla' for instance, the relationship between the two women has to deal with the horror and mystery around them.