What are examples of four conventions found in Gothic literature?

One major trait
of the Gothic novel is that its aim is
to paint the world in its fallen, immoral state. The Gothic novel
uses elements of "plot, setting, , and theme" to paint
the world as a "fallen world" (University of California at Davis, "The Gothic
Novel"). As we are limited in space, below are a few ideas to help get you
started.

The setting in particular is used to
portray the world in its fallen state. The setting will be used to
create an " of horror and dread" ("The Gothic Novel"). To create the
horrific atmosphere, the setting will portray the world in a "decaying" state by
using images of darkness, coldness, and even images of bones,
tombstones, or other elements of a cemetery. Emily Bronte's Wuthering
Heights can be considered one example of a Gothic novel,
and the novel's setting provides evidence of its Gothic elements.
For example, the novel is set in a cold, dark estate in which all of its inhabitants are
described as being miserable. The estate is even suspected of being haunted and is situated on a
moor that's cold, expansive, and lonely.

A Gothic novel will also often
contain specific characters, including a , a villain, and what can
be called "the Wanderer" ("The Gothic Novel"). The
protagonist in a Gothic novel is one who has fallen from his/her
original state, or has "fallen from grace" ("The Gothic Novel"). We can look
at Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights as an
example of a Gothic protagonist. When first brought home as a
foundling, he was cherished by his adopted father Mr. Earnshaw and developed a deep friendship
with his adopted sister Catherine; however, his adopted brother Hindley became ragingly jealous
of Heathcliff and, after Mr. Earnshaw died, Hindley stooped to humiliate
Healthcliff, even treated him as a servant. We can call
Heathcliff's humiliation his "fall from grace." What's more, the
protagonist of a Gothic novel is often isolated, either "voluntarily or
involuntarily." In Heathcliff's case, he first isolates himself through his rich plans to
seek revenge against Hinley, and then, after his plans succeed, Heathcliff isolates himself
further by staying by himself on the Wuthering Heights estate.

Beyond the
protagonist, the villain is the one who torments the protagonist,
just as Hinley tormented Healthcliff. Finally, the
"Wanderer," while not in all Gothic novels, will roam "the earth
in perpetual exile, usually a divine form of punishment" ("The Gothic
Novel").