The Gothic Tradition in Contemporary Horror Fiction

Abstract

 This paper investigates the enduring influence of the Gothic tradition on contemporary horror fiction. It examines how contemporary authors like Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and Shirley Jackson draw on Gothic elements, such as haunted settings, supernatural occurrences, and psychological terror, to create suspenseful and disturbing narratives. The analysis will focus on the ways in which these authors update the Gothic tradition for a modern audience, exploring themes of fear, obsession, and the dark side of human nature.