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The reason why gothic fiction or "horror" literature has always been and still is a popular genre lies in the "tightrope walk" between pleasure and pain which on the one hand thrills the reader and at the same time provokes fears and feelings of rejection. By focusing on the uncertainties and contradictions of the psyche, gothic writings force us to recognize that we cannot explain each and every feeling or experience by  reason and logic.  

Absolutely!  Aren't people always fascinated by things that invoke fear and/or intrigue?  One aspect of human nature is curiosity, so Gothic definitely makes people curious, and when you add fear into that mix, it makes it much more intriguing!  The pleasure and pain point is also true, in my opinion.

Wow, that was the quickest response ever! I guess that means that my English was understandable:-)...

So is that what you describe the "delightful horror" I always stumble over? 

Yes, it seems to be a contradiction in terms, but it is so true.