Question

read the following passage:

swoosh! swoosh! went the blade of the shovel as lester dug one mound of dirt after another. swoosh! deeper into the grave that was still fresh enough to be lacking in grass cover. swoosh! with each thrust he relived the swing of his ax. one tool to send the old man to his grave and another to unearth him again. swoosh!

which characteristic of gothic writing does this passage best illustrate?

a. the deadly power of nature
b. the gruesome and macabre
c. supernatural revelation
d. mystery and suspense

Explanation:

Gothic writing often includes dark, morbid elements. The passage depicts the act of digging up a fresh grave, which is a graphic, grim act aligned with gruesome and macabre themes. Option A is incorrect as nature is not the focus; Option C is wrong because there is no supernatural element; Option D does not fit as the passage directly shows the disturbing act rather than building mystery/suspense.

Answer:

B. The gruesome and macabre