This summer has been eventful in the endeavor of "me" time, something that I didn't particularly specialize in pre-COVID-19. I recently wrote an article taking an optimistic approach to how COVID-19 has had some positive outcomes in an ocean of bad (read it here!). The steep increase in opportunities for "me" time has certainly been a good result of the coronavirus.

In my alone time, I've been crafting and listening to audiobooks. My aunt taught me to crochet when I was 8, and I've loved the craft ever since. While I crocheted a pair of shorts, I listened to the iconic Draculaby Bram Stoker. Lately, I've been rug hooking a rug, which is taking much longer — more time for more books! So far I've listened to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Neil Gaiman's Coraline, and Horace Walpole's The Castle Of Otranto, apparently the first gothic novel ever!

As you can see, most of these works fit into the realm of gothic literature, my favorite genre of all time. While listening to these, I noticed some incredibly impactful themes written into these otherwise dark and dramatic novels. I was surprised, as gothic literature is stereotyped as being nothing aside from materialistic, sexual, repetitive, and disturbing.

This article serves to dismantle this reputation and highlight some lessons we could all benefit from.

I've had a blast reading the stories that the gothic subculture stands for, and I hope you enjoyed reading my take on their themes.