Final answer:
Jane encounters a Gothic atmosphere when arriving at Thornfield Manor, with its dark passages, sober tapestries, and armorial trophies, which amplify the sense of mystery and foreboding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first element of the Gothic that Jane encounters during her stay at Thornfield Manor in Charlotte Brontë's novel 'Jane Eyre' is the eerie and dark atmosphere of the manor itself. This is embodied in her description of Thornfield when she arrives and is taken through many dark and intricate passages to her master's studio, encountering strange and unsettling elements such as the sober tapestries, ebony floors, and armorial trophies. The slightly cryptic behavior of the household staff, including the valet and the physician, also add to the Gothic sense of mystery and foreboding that characterizes her early experiences at the Manor.