How much power do formal institutions (church, govt., etc) have in our society?

The government and church have a good bit of power in society bc the government regulates what we do. They make sure we are safe, we have education, housing, food. They make sure we have they materials to survive. They church keeps us out of trouble and in touch with god.

What happens if you become too determined?

If you become to determined you can easily over think things. Obsession, hesitation and the ability to see the difficulties can also come from being too determined. Your energy would be low and you wouldn't be able too focus on the task at hand. That's why you shouldn't over think things and cause yourself unnecessary stress.

Why do we fear what we don't know?

If something bad happens we want to know. If something good happens we want to know. Either way we want to know. We fear what we don't know because we have never heard about it. Ever heard the saying don't let history repeat itself. Well it's the same concept. If we knew of the bad thing we wouldn't let it happen again. That's why we want to know everything so we don't have to fear the unknown.

Why do people hear voices in the woods?

There is no real answer as to why people here voices in the woods because every one is different. It could be a medical reason as to why they here voices or it could just be fear. We don't know what triggers another persons fear. The mind plays tricks on people. You just have to be one step ahead.

What do you think is the most important quality of gothic literature?

I think that it's the ability to shock and frighten. Any story can be a good story but does it pull you out of your seat. It should not only grab your attention but also leave you with a feeling of  wanting more. 

Do you agree that It is darkness within us all?

Yes I agree that it's darkness within us all. How could there not be. There can't be good with out evil. There is good in everyone until they get to their breaking point. Who knows what will happen then.  The Devil was once an angel so there is darkness in everyone.

Why can dreamlike settings be powerful in literature form?

The mind plays tricks on us. They make things seem real when they are not. Power words and actions can also play a role in making things dreamlike. In literature power words create scenes that are very surreal but isn't true. I think that your state of mind can affect that.