what is a gothic element in literature
Gothic Elements in Literature. Here is a list of distinguishing elements commonly found in gothic literature (AKA you know it's gothic when there is ...): (The above list compiled from one at: http://www.virtualsalt.com/gothic.htm). 1  a setting in a castle, ancestral family home, vault or crypt. 2  a vendetta or vengeance perpetrated against the protagonist and/or his/her family by the antagonist. 3  supernatural beings-monsters, vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and such.