Bonjour,
Gothic fiction is still popular in contemporary times simply because its elements appeal intellectually, emotionally, and even spiritually to the readers. The mystery, the looming darkness of danger and evil, the fear, and the suspense-- and even madness, captivate readers' attention and stir both the heart and the imagination. Reading Gothic narratives is not just amusing or pleasurable; it involves the engagement of the reader's own mind and the lure of the temptations of the soul. For, what man in the secret chambers of his heart has not had the fleeting urge to commit, at least, an act of small violence such as in the Gothic; what woman has not felt the temptation of the dark, brooding lover, the ilk of Heath cliff? And how many people do not enjoy the thrill of being frightened?
In a sense, too, there is the vindication that readers feel after perusing a work of Gothic fiction.
In the most general terms, Gothic literature can be defined as writing that employs dark and picturesque scenery, startling and melodramatic narrative devices, and an overall atmosphere of exoticism, mystery, and dread. Often, a Gothic novel or story will revolve around a large, ancient house that conceals a terrible secret or that serves as the refuge of an especially frightening and threatening character. Despite the fairly common use of this bleak motif, Gothic writers have also used supernatural elements, touches of romance, well-known historical characters, and travel and adventure narratives in order to entertain their readers.
There are important, though not always consistent, connections between Gothic literature and Gothic architecture. While Gothic structures and decorations were prevalent in Europe for much of the Middle Ages, Gothic writing conventions only assumed their present, recognizable shape in the 18th century.
Voila !
