Read the following scene:
He slowly climbed the castle's well-worn steps, listening to the creaking floorboards. The wind howled miserably, and he thought he had never felt more alone.
Which characteristic of Gothic writing does this passage best illustrate?
A.
Nature's deadliness
B.
A supernatural theme
C.
A melancholy, gloomy tone
D.
Heavy use of symbolism
C. A melancholy, gloomy tone
C. A melancholy, gloomy tone
To identify the characteristic of Gothic writing illustrated in this passage, we can analyze the key elements present. Let's break it down step by step:
1. "He slowly climbed the castle's well-worn steps" - This phrase suggests a gloomy and foreboding atmosphere that is commonly associated with Gothic literature. The mention of a castle also aligns with the Gothic setting often used in this genre.
2. "Listening to the creaking floorboards" - The presence of creaking floorboards adds to the sense of eerie suspense, creating an atmosphere of unease and tension, which is commonly found in Gothic literature.
3. "The wind howled miserably" - The description of a miserably howling wind reinforces the gloomy and melancholic tone associated with Gothic writing. It further enhances the atmosphere of desolation and isolation.
4. "He thought he had never felt more alone" - This line emphasizes the feeling of loneliness and isolation typically present in Gothic works. It conveys a sense of psychological distress, which is commonly explored in this genre.
Considering these elements, the characteristic of Gothic writing best illustrated in this passage is option C: A melancholy, gloomy tone.