barometer of the anxieties plaguing a certain culture at a particular moment in history’ . Acknowledging the availability of literature to the masses, and the Gothic’s ability to discuss issues ‘plaguing’ society, Plath, Gilman and Wharton use their work to explore society’s darkest secrets. Through use of personas, Plath ‘strips away the polite veneer’ . This is evident in the titular quote - a message from Plath to her mother, Aurelia - which shows her ability to be honest about society’s ignorance