Ibusied myself to think of a story … to rival those which had excited us. … one which would speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken thrilling horror. … if i did not accomplish these things, my ghost story would be unworthy of its name. i thought and pondered—vainly. … have you thought of a story? … i was forced to reply with a mortifying negative. what is the main idea of this excerpt from the introduction to frankenstein by mary shelley?

a. gothic stories speak to our hidden fears.

b. mary shelley wants to write a great gothic story, but she can’t think of an idea.

c. mary shelley’s companions ask if she has thought of an idea, and she says no.

d. gothic stories should make the reader tremble in terror.