Definition

Noun: 1. A type of novel that emphasizes a mood of mystery, terror, and the supernatural, often set in a gloomy, isolated location such as a castle or monastery. It combines elements of horror and romance.

Usage

The term "Gothic romance" is used to classify a specific genre of literature. It describes a story where the atmosphere and setting are as important as the plot, creating a sense of dread and suspense.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used critically to describe a work that employs the standard tropes of the genre, sometimes in a derivative way.
  • The film was a predictable Gothic romance, complete with a stormy night, a hidden will, and a mysterious stranger.

Variants and Related Words

• Gothic novel: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "Gothic romance."
• Gothic fiction: A broader category that encompasses Gothic romance but can include short stories and other forms.

Synonyms

• Gothic novel
• Gothic fiction
• Novel of terror

Related Phrases

• In the Gothic romance tradition: Used to describe a work that follows the conventions established by early Gothic novels.
  • The author's latest book is firmly in the Gothic romance tradition.

Noun

1. a romance that deals with desolate and mysterious and grotesque events