“Assumed that Gothic Fiction began as a lurid offshoot from a dominant tradition of largely realist and morally respectable fiction” Page 1

“Certain unique, cultural pressures led Americans to the Gothic as an expression of the very different conditions” Page 2

“The sensationalism of this at first almost universally deplored yet extremely popular form of writing allowed a vicarious experience of forbidden excess, with punishment and retribution offered in the eventual return to psychic normality” page 3

“Among the extremes and taboos that the Gothic explores are religious profanities, demonism, occultism, necromancy, and incest. This can be interpreted as a dark side of Enlightenment free thinking.” Page 4

“Among the most striking features of the Gothic genre is the style of its architectural setting. In early Gothic these were often medievalist, involving ancient stone building with elaborate, “Gothic” arches, buttresses, passageways and crypts” Page 5