Which best 19th century gothic novels should I read first?

If you're new to 19th - century Russian novels, I'd recommend starting with 'Crime and Punishment'. It has a fast - paced plot that grabs your attention from the start. The story of Raskolnikov and his moral dilemma is really engaging.

In which country did the Gothic style first appear in the 12th century? The answer was that the Gothic style originated in Europe, especially in Italy. In Italy, the Gothic style originated from the architecture and literature of the Renaissance and became popular throughout Europe. The Gothic style usually emphasized high ceiling, thick walls, gorgeous decorations, and romantic emotional expressions.

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.

Some of the best Gothic novels include 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It's a classic that introduced the world to the iconic vampire, Count Dracula. The atmosphere is dark and foreboding, with a sense of mystery that keeps readers on edge.

One great 21st - century Western novel is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It has a complex and engaging plot that follows the life of a young boy who becomes involved with a valuable painting after a tragic event. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid look into the court of Henry VIII. And 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara is also a notable one, though it's quite intense, exploring themes of friendship, trauma, and the human condition.

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.

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.

They often feature gloomy settings like old castles and dark forests. The atmosphere is filled with mystery and dread. Characters may include brooding heroes, damsels in distress, and menacing villains.