The Accursed, a novel by Joyce Carol Oates, presents a haunting exploration of early 20th-century America, blending historical elements with fiction. The story unfolds in Princeton, New Jersey, focusing on eerie events that disrupt the seemingly tranquil life of the community. Oates delves into themes of power, societal norms, and the underlying darkness that lurks beneath the surface of respectability.

Part of the novel's atmosphere is captured by its "somewhat austere and even forbidding limestone exterior," reflecting the somber and oppressive mood that pervades the narrative. This imagery suggests a stark contrast between the external appearance of the setting and the turbulent emotions and conflicts experienced by the characters within. Oates effectively uses the environment to enhance the story's tension and sense of foreboding.