, gray face with dark bags under its eyes (13),” was how Harry illustrated Betty’s mother. Her isolation and suspicious behavior is due to the incident of incest. Betty is Stacey’s mother and sister. Gen. Breckenridge Jameson is the father of both women. Gen. Jameson is also isolated, suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This dark secret creates a world of pain for Stacey and Betty’s Mother. Betty’s mother alienates herself from all activities, giving her a strange and ghostly quality. The incest is a gruesome act as well, but primarily Fletcher 4serves as the secret. The explanation of the secret leads to the understanding of the hidden person. The use of gothic qualities are apparent in Chain of Fools. They serve as elements in the setting and participate in the development of the plot. The relationships arguably coexist on many levels for the reader. The blood and gore could be for those who enjoy detail, and the deep dark secrets might be for those who want to be suspended for the sake of disbelief. The dark gothic nature of the mansion and the cinema along with the ever-popular strip joints might entice those seeking isolation and excitement in their escapism. Finally, for the cynic, the social commentary that is offered, does not bring about hope. There are many facets for the explanation of the attraction of certain gothic tendencies. One could be adolescents searching for identity and the perception of isolation. Another might be the middle aged faced with mortality and the obscurity of fate. Perhaps an optimist could simply desire a change of pace. Whatever the reason Gothic tendencies assures no promises and shows no mercy. Dark as it may be, the bite of reality is not too far behind....
