Gothic Themes

A gothic novel is a book with a setting or mood so dark, mysterious, or brooding that the setting itself can almost be considered as a character. Common themes in gothic works are elements of the dark side of human nature.

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is one of America's most loved books, and one of the most prominent on college reading lists. It is often recognized for its gothic backdrop. Murder, a dark and sleepy southern setting, racism, and hypocrisy are elements of that great work.

Another example of gothic literature is Frankenstein, which includes monsters, madness, murder, and mystery. What more could you ask for when it comes to intriguing summer readings?