Elements

Of the three elements, atmosphere, action, and supernatural, I think that atmosphere is the most effective element in gothic literature. I believe that atmosphere is the most effective element because the atmosphere of a certain scene or novel is what sets the tone of the story and it controls what emotions the reader may feel while reading. In gothic literature, the authors may want the reader to feel suspense and terror and the easiest and most effective way to accomplish this is by giving the tone and the setting, or atmosphere, that eerie feeling. For example, in the second volume and second chapter of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the monster approaches Victor and asks him to listen to his story. The words and actions are not what makes the readers feel suspense as they are reading, it is the atmosphere of the dark, foggy, secluded mountain that gives the readers that eerie feeling and it makes them want to continue reading to find out what will happen next. Another example from Frankenstein where the atmosphere is the most effective element is when Victor brings the monster to life. The actions and supernatural events in that scene may give a vague feeling of suspense, however it is the atmosphere and the setting that gives the readers the absolute feelings of excitement and anticipation as Shelley describes the dark, dreary night. These are the reasons why I believe that atmosphere is the most effective element in gothic literature.