The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, is a classic example of a traditional gothic novel, although it is not scary. Gothic literature got its name because many examples of the genre were set during the late medieval, or Gothic, period. It became popular in England, Germany, and the United States in the late 18th and early 19th centuries (Buzwell). What many people don't know about Gothic novels is that they are often based on romance, a confirmation of strong emotions and imagination. Basically, Gothic novels combine horror and romance, and do so in a psychological way. A Gothic novel is defined as a novel that deals with frightening or supernatural objects. In this way it already becomes clear that this story will end tragically. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Gothic novels tend to be set in dark settings such as old buildings (especially castles or rooms with secret passages), dungeons, or towers that serve as a backdrop for the mysterious circumstances (Andersson). When Dorian attempts to visit the opium den to dispose of Basil's body, we can clearly see an example of this. “A cold rain began to fall, and the dimmed streetlights looked ghostly in the dripping fog. The taverns were just closing, and indistinct men and women gathered in scattered groups before their doors. The sound of horrible laughter came from some bars. In others, drunks were fighting and shouting.” (Wilde 128) Another disturbing setting in the novel is the secret room where the mystery book is locked. The room contains old books, mice, faded tapestries and a strange musty smell. Most people would not prefer to be in such an environment because it is often disturbing and leads to death. Throughout the story, the most obvious example of Gothic fiction is the use of the devil as a symbol. Lord Henry represents the devil using his wisdom and the poisonous yellow book to corrupt Dorian, who loses his innocence and later becomes a murderer. An interesting piece of evidence for this is that Henry is often called Harry. This appears to refer to "Old Harry", another name for the devil (Zakes). “I would give my soul” in exchange for the privilege of remaining young for the rest of his life (Wilde 19). Unknowingly, Dorian sells his soul to the devil. He finally realizes that he wants to be normal again, but he fails and receives his punishment: death. As an appeal to the reader's pathos and sympathy, female characters often face events that leave them fainting, terrified, screaming, and/or sobbing. A lonely, thoughtful, oppressed heroine is often the central figure of the novel, so her sufferings are even more pronounced and the center of attention (Junger). Women suffer even more because they are often abandoned, left alone (voluntarily or by mistake) and sometimes have no protector. Dorian is supposed to be Sybil's "Prince Charming". (Wilde 46) The connection shown is that Prince Charming saves his damsel in distress, a beautiful young woman who needs a hero to save her. Sybil believes that Dorian saved her from acting, which she put her heart and soul into because it was the closest thing to love she could get. She is finally free and does not have to act; he actually loves Dorian. On the other hand, Dorian no longer loves Sybil. He was infatuated with her beautiful acting and when she disappeared, so did Dorian's love for her. In most Gothic novels, science is used for evil purposes. Once we see it is when Dorian blackmails Alan Campbell, a scientist, into getting rid of the corpse of/262480261)