What is a key characteristic of Gothic fiction, particularly seen in the works from the Romantic period?

A key characteristic of Gothic fiction, particularly prevalent during the Romantic period, is its involvement of elements like death and the supernatural. This genre often employs dark, mysterious settings and themes that evoke feelings of terror and the uncanny. The supernatural elements can include ghosts, the undead, or otherworldly phenomena, which serve to challenge rationality and invoke primal fears in both characters and readers.

Gothic fiction emerged as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and scientific explanation, thus celebrating the mysterious and irrational facets of human experience. The presence of death, decay, and the macabre not only heightens the emotional intensity of the narrative but also reflects broader existential concerns, making the exploration of these themes central to the genre's impact and appeal. This exploration allows for a deep engagement with the darker aspects of human nature and the mysteries of existence, aligning with the Romantic spirit of prioritizing emotion and individual experience over rational thought.