Read the excerpt from the strange case of dr. jekyll and mr. hyde. round the corner from the by-street, there was a square of ancient, handsome houses, now for the most part decayed from their high estate and let in flats and chambers to all sorts and conditions of men; map-engravers, architects, shady lawyers and the agents of obscure enterprises. one house, however, second from the corner, was still occupied entire . . in what way is this setting characteristic of gothic fiction? the homes have deteriorated from their original grandness. the street is busy with the activity of local traders. the homes have been transformed into places of business. the street is renowned for its wealthy occupants.