What is a Gothic Novel?

The Gothic novel is a literary genre that emerged in the early 18th century in England as a result of the new interest in romances with an emphasis on terror, mystery, or supernatural events. The English term "Gothic" refers to medieval architecture and/or medieval culture. The gothic novel tells a tale of terror, superstition and psychological torment set at night during the interiors of old castles or ancient cathedrals as well as their shadow-shrouded domains outside their walls.