What are the common themes in gothic erotic novels?

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.

Some common themes include the supernatural, such as ghosts and vampires. Mystery and suspense are also key, often with a sense of the unknown lurking in old, decaying mansions or desolate landscapes. Madness and the breakdown of the human psyche were frequently explored too.

One common theme is the haunted or cursed place. In American novels, you often find old houses or buildings that seem to have a life of their own and are full of secrets. Another theme is the troubled protagonist. Just like in Gothic novels, American novels may have a main character who is dealing with inner demons or a past trauma.

The theme of the supernatural is another key aspect. Gothic horror dark passion novels often use the supernatural to heighten the sense of mystery and fear. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', the portrait that ages instead of Dorian is a supernatural element that ties into the themes of moral decay and the dark passion of Dorian's pursuit of a hedonistic lifestyle. It represents the hidden consequences of his actions in a very gothic way.

Well, the theme of danger is quite common. It could be physical danger like a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows, or emotional danger such as being betrayed by someone close. Then there's the theme of the unknown. These novels are filled with elements that are not easily understood, like strange noises at night or unexplained events in the family. And of course, the theme of transformation. The female characters usually go through some kind of transformation, either in their understanding of themselves or in their relationships with others due to the events in the story.

One common theme is the struggle between good and evil. In these novels, good is often not clearly defined, and characters may have to make difficult moral choices. Another theme is the presence of the supernatural. This can include ghosts, vampires, or other dark entities. Also, decay and the passage of time are often themes, like in stories set in crumbling castles or dying worlds.

Isolation is a key theme. Many short gothic stories are set in isolated places such as old mansions or desolate moors. This isolation creates a sense of fear and unease. Also, madness is a theme. Characters may go insane due to the strange and terrifying events around them, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the main character's confinement leads to her descent into madness.

Forbidden love is a very common theme. In gothic erotica, it could be a love between a human and a supernatural being like a vampire or a werewolf. This love is often against the norms of society, adding an element of danger and excitement.