Elizabeth Gaskell - The Poor Clare

Exploring themes of tragedy, family, and supernatural curses, this collection features stories that significantly influenced the Gothic genre. The title story follows Bridget Fitzgerald, an Irish Catholic servant whose life spirals into despair after she accidentally curses her own family. As she grapples with the consequences of her actions, she chooses to join a convent and ultimately sacrifices herself to free her granddaughter from the haunting legacy. Other tales, like "The Old Nurse's Story," delve into the struggles of characters facing mortality and advocating for the rights of others.