Question

Identify one characteristic of American Gothic fiction.

a) Optimistic and uplifting themes
b) Urban settings and modern technology
c) Ordinary characters in everyday situations
d) Dark, mysterious, and eerie atmospheres

Answer 1

The characteristic of American Gothic fiction is dark, mysterious, and eerie atmospheres.

Step-by-step explanation:

To identify one characteristic of American Gothic fiction, the correct option is d) Dark, mysterious, and eerie atmospheres. American Gothic fiction is known for its tendency to feature dark, eerie, and often supernatural elements, creating a sense of fear and unease. Settings are typically bleak or decrepit, characters are fraught with psychological complexities, and themes often explore human fallibility and the grotesque. Unlike its counterpart, Southern Gothic literature may focus more on the dissection of social orders and reveal the underbelly of society, often without the reliance on supernatural elements. Both, however, share the characteristic of presenting an unsettling atmosphere.