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.
Horace Walpole was a well - known author. His 'The Castle of Otranto' is considered one of the first gothic novels. It set the stage for many of the elements that would become characteristic of the genre.
The famous 19th - century gothic novels influenced literature in multiple ways. For one, they expanded the range of emotions that could be explored in literature. Novels like 'Dracula' brought out fear, horror, and a sense of the unknown. Moreover, they influenced the way characters were developed. Gothic heroes and heroines often had complex and tortured inner lives, which became a trend in later literature. Their use of symbolism, such as the doppelganger in 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', also inspired other writers to use such devices to convey deeper meanings.
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.
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.