Gothic Motifs

Doppelganger:
The double motif suggests that humans are burdened with a dual nature, a soul forever divided. Doppelganger is German for 'double walker' - a shadow self that is thought to accompany every person, Traditionally it is said that only the owner of the doppelganger can see this phantom self, and that is can be harbinger to death. Occasionally, however a doppelganger can be seen by a person's friends or family, resulting in quite a bit of confusion.

Beast Transformation:
The protagonist's ambitious pursuit of forbidden powers often results in transformation into a beast/monster. This transformation is depicted as a degradation of the protagonist and a loss of humanity. In some instances, however in particularly in feminist literature and in some supernatural literature of the Asian and Native American traditions, the protagonists beast transformation is a liberating experience that results in an enlightening unity with the natural world. Sometimes the protagonist finds that being transformed into a beast that liberates one from the artificial restraints of human civilizations.


Madness:
This suggests that humanity's encounter with the fantastic side of existence that defies human reason, because mad characters are in touch with a deeper reality beyond rational comprehension, they often speak the truths that normal characters wish to deny. Madmen face universal or psychic forces that rational men fear to acknowledge.