Final answer:
In Gothic literature like 'The Oval Portrait,' the phrase 'she was dead' can symbolize a transformation, the consequence of certain actions, or represent a thematic motif beyond the physical death of a character.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expression "she was dead" in the story The Oval Portrait often symbolizes more than the mere physical death of a character; it frequently alludes to a deeper narrative consequence or a thematic element. In Gothic literature, such as The Oval Portrait, death is often portrayed not just as an end of life but as a significant transformation or as a catalyst for other events within the story. For example, death can instigate a haunting or personify the lasting impact of someone's actions or existence.
Instances in literature where this expression is used might be illustrative of how art, beauty, and obsession with these ideals can have fatal consequences or could represent the metaphorical 'death' of one's spirit or hope, as in the loss of vitality or innocence. As the provided excerpts suggest, these themes are prevalent when discussing death in artistic contexts, especially within the layered and complex storytelling in Gothic fiction.