Supernatural aspects and effects, such as ghosts and monsters, are part of the deepest fears of all people, whether they want to admit it or not. Elements of Gothic literature tap into our need for agony between what is real and what is fantasy. I even think it releases and reflects our need to search for the identity of our inner gothic. Nowadays gothic is seen as a way people dress and are weird almost like it's a disease in the brain. Goths were not always perceived that way, it was a way that allowed people to express their true beliefs, desires and, above all, their inner fears. The gothic genre is much more than just a collection of horror stories, although they do place a rather large emphasis on mystery and fear. The term Gothic, originally used to describe both art and architecture, later spread to the world of literature and writings. They all had extreme emotions and dark, depressing themes and ideas. While many people of our time may never fully appreciate what the Gothic era gave us, or understand the dark themes they present, I will. The Gothic Era, just like the many horror films and books that I love so much, Gothics have a way of completely involving a person like me in the story they are trying to provide us as readers. Gothic literature helps us exercise our mind. causing us to dig deep and determine our inner truths and fears. With this idea we must learn to broaden our perspectives and think critically about the piece, rather than basing our judgments simply on what we are reading. The use of extreme and dramatic emotions in Gothic writings really makes us think about how reading affects us within… the center of the paper… Re. Even as the years continue to advance and the horror genre sadly continues to progress and move away from the great Gothics who came before him, no matter what there will always be that exponential influence from the Gothics and a standard to which he will always be held. Gothic literature has had many different effects on people, writers, and even the way it has been perceived over the years. The great elements within a Gothic story will never change or give up, they will forever be that supernatural effect or idea, the different reverences for death and decay throughout it, and the underlying sense of suspense have thrown off the l whole literary work and that overall dark tone. to history. Over time we, as a country and as a race, developed an even greater understanding of what Gothic literature was and why it was deemed so important throughout literary history..