Question

suspense and horror: gothic writing across time
pre-test complete
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 emphasizes psychological dread and unstable mental states. The excerpt focuses on the narrator's overwhelming, irrational anxiety about the painting—their inability to control their glances, distress, and paranoid fear of a face behind them all reveal an unhinged psychological state, which aligns with Gothic literary traits. The other options do not match: there is no blood/gore, no triumph of reason, and no confused plans described.

Answer:

by revealing an unhinged psychological state