Question

read the excerpt from the adventure of the mysterious picture. how was this vile nervous fit, for such i now persuaded myself it was, to be conquered? i determined to force myself not to look at the painting but to undress quickly and get into bed. i began to undress, but in spite of every effort i could not keep myself from stealing a glance every now and then at the picture; and a glance was now sufficient to distress me. even when my back was turned to it, the idea of this strange face behind me, peering over my shoulder, was insufferable. how does the excerpt exemplify gothic fiction?

• by revealing an unhinged psychological state
• by describing a scene of blood and gore
• by depicting the triumph of reason over the irrational
• by illustrating the confused plans of the narrator

Explanation:

Gothic fiction often explores psychological turmoil. The excerpt shows the narrator's nervousness, inability to resist looking at the painting, and distress, revealing an unhinged psychological state. Other options: no blood/gore (eliminates "by describing a scene of blood and gore"), no triumph of reason (eliminates "by depicting the triumph of reason over the irrational"), and no confused plans (eliminates "by illustrating the confused plans of the narrator"). So the best choice is the one about revealing an unhinged psychological state.

Answer:

by revealing an unhinged psychological state