Novels, written in varying styles, retain their value because each presents the reader with a new thought to consider. Sometimes, however, rather than developing an entirely new style to “suggest a thought,” authors borrow features from other novels to express themselves. These borrowed traits are then molded into a new shape. This is exactly what the authors of the Romantic era did. They borrowed features from Gothic literature to express their thoughts. Although the novels are unique and appreciated for their distinctiveness, the borrowed traits remain a parallel between the two genres. Traits such as deterioration of characters, love fighting sin, reversion to animal priorities, and alienation from human emotions are all depicted in characters in romantic literature. These traits are the cornerstones of Gothic literature. Characters of the Romantic era were deeply influenced by Gothic literature, as evidenced by the parallels that exist between Great Expectations and Wuthering Heights to Frankenstein and The Picture of Dorian Gray. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Gray deteriorates mentally. Dorian Gray is a man satisfied with his appearance and his stability in life. He is fascinated by his collection of foreign objects. This collection of foreign objects paints a picture of Gray's fall into ruin. Gray begins his collection with exotic objects that are ornate and interesting to look at. They are beautiful on the outside and were harmless in the story. However, as his depression deepens and his sins deepen, his collection becomes a "mixture of tyrants and vengeful Renaissance figures who poison their victims..." (Platizky). His collection has become a reflection of himself; it is full of violence and sin and is full of...... middle of paper ......: 202+. Literary Resource Center. Internet. March 2, 2011. Shapiro, Arnold. Wuthering Heights as a Victorian novel. Studies in the Novel 1.3 (Fall 1969): 284-295. Rep. in 19th century literary criticism. Ed. Jay Parini and Janet Mullane. Flight. 16. Detroit: Gale Research, 1987. Information Resource Center. Internet. March 2, 2011. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. 4th ed. New York, NY: Bantam Dell, Random House Inc, 2003. Print.Snodgrass, Mary E. “Gothic Literature.” Encyclopedia of Gothic Literature. New York, NY: Cataloging in Publication Data, Snodgrass, 2005. Print.Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray and Other Writings. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Bantam Dell, Random House Inc, 2005. Print. Yousef, Nancy. “The Monster in a Dark Room: Frankenstein, Feminism and Philosophy.” Modern Language Quarterly 63.2 (2002): 197+. Literary Resource Center. Internet. March 2. 2011.