Gothic literature is a genre of literature that emerged in Europe in the 18th century and grew out of the Romantic literary movement. It is characterized by its darkly picturesque scenery, eerie stories of the macabre, and intense emotions that pair terror with pleasure, death with romance. The name "Gothic" refers to the Gothic architecture of the European Middle Ages, which was characteristic of the settings of early Gothic novels. Gothic literature is intimately associated with the Gothic Revival architecture of the same era.

Gothic fiction is rooted in blending the old with the new, often taking place during moments of historical transition, from the end of the medieval era to the beginnings of industrialization. The setting typically includes physical reminders of the past, especially through ruined buildings which stand as proof of a previously thriving world which is decaying in the present. Gothic literature is characterized by an environment of fear, the threat of supernatural events, and the intrusion of the past upon the present or the present being haunted by the past.

Some key features of Gothic literature include:

• Dark elements: Gothic literature combines dark elements, spooky settings, and conflicted and disturbed characters into a whimsically horrific, often romantic, story.

• Mystery and horror: Gothic literature explores paranormal and existential themes amid eerie backgrounds.

• Supernatural phenomena: The genre creates encounters with the sublime and constantly explores events beyond explanation, whether they feature supernatural phenomena or focus on the macabre.

• Mood: Gothic fiction embraces a romantic idealization of death, mixed with high drama and the supernatural.

Examples of Gothic literature include Bram Stokers "Dracula" and Mary Shelleys "Frankenstein". Gothic literature continues to be extensively practiced by contemporary authors.