Wieland; or, the Transformation. An American Tale by Charles Brockden Brown, Fiction, Horror

The scene is set with a mysterious edifice illuminated by a sudden light, followed by a loud explosion that startles the protagonist. As her initial shock subsides, she is confronted by continuous, piercing shrieks echoing around her. The light that once illuminated the surroundings vanishes, leaving the interior of the building aglow with rays, creating an atmosphere of tension and intrigue. This excerpt hints at themes of fear and the unknown, characteristic of Gothic literature.