How effective is the “Tomb of Sarah” as a Gothic Horror story?

Authors Avatar
How effective is the "Tomb of Sarah" as a Gothic Horror story?

Standard Gothic Horror stories often incorporate many factors designed to create fear and suspense in the reader. These can include many features comprising of: old legends, mythical beasts and courageous heroes.

The "Tomb of Sarah" is the story focussing around the life of a church restorer who faces an unusual case when he must move a tomb 10 feet southward. Strange events start to occur, including dogs howling for periods of time, mysterious fog rises and sheep disappear. We find out for certain that this is the work of a vampire, the "Countess Sarah". It eventually takes the Heroic efforts of Harry the church restorer and the rector, to prevent the arising of this evil force and to stop her from spreading her evil.

The reason that the "Tomb of Sarah" is so effective as a Gothic Horror story is because of its in inkeeping with the Gothic Horror genre.

We have the Hero of the story, who we know only as "Harry". He is a very distinguished gentleman, who is well respected and enjoys what he does. As the events unfold Harry is very rational and calm in his manner. When confronted with the evidence of localised fog and strange dogs synchronously howling, as well as viewing the corpse he simply decides to investigate further and posses more evidence before he confronts the rector or anyone else with his theories.
Join now!


"I dare not mention or even hint at my fears to the rector... In many things that I know from experience are not only possible but even probable."

We see that he is correct and very intelligent with most of his guesses. Even when he is almost certain and convinced he does not stake the vampire in her tomb as he lacks evidence and will not desecrate a dead body without reason. When he meets the countess he is well prepared for her, bringing along items such as pointed stakes and garlic. Even when face to face ...

This is a preview of the whole essay