Personal response to Getting Rid of George The story of Robert Arthur, Getting Rid of George is a good gothic story because of its various examples of required gothic elements. These requirements include atmosphere, psychological mood, mystery, romance, and melodrama. All of these elements combined make this story a good Gothic example. For starters, the setting, at one point, takes place in a dark, isolated cabin in the mountains. The proof is when Harry describes: "It's absolutely deserted up there at this time of year." Additionally, George's disappearance to everyone except Laura and Harry adds to the dark atmosphere. The physical exploitation of cruelty shown by Laura when she repeatedly beats George with a statuette until he lies dead on the ground further adds to the sadness and terror of the story. The mental exploitation of cruelty is also evident when George returns from the dead and blackmails and once again attempts to ruin Laura's new life. We found clear examples of an atmosphere of sadness and dread throughout this story, proving that Getting Rid of George is a well-written gothic story. Alongside a dark and terrifying atmosphere, Arthur uses the element of aberrant psychological states of mind to add to his gothic story. An example of irrational behavior is shown when Laura becomes outraged and spontaneously murders George. We also thought that Laura's suffering from a fainting spell is also an example of this psychological state of mind. Evidence of this is found when Arthur writes: "Harry held Laura until the nausea in her disappeared." Finally, hallucinations were also prevalent in the story. We thought a good example was when Harry and Laura brought George to the cabin to dispose of his body. Laura claims that George's dead eye slowly opened and gave her a knowing wink. Elements of mystery were also used throughout this story. Many things were hidden or unknown. Some examples are when George entered Laura's dressing room disguised as a member of the press. His true identity, to Laura, was unknown. Additionally, the fact that Laura murdered George and Harry plans to help her has been hidden from everyone. We also found obvious secrecy and darkness in the story. Laura's past was kept secret because it would most likely harm her new acting career..