* Gothic fiction: Melodrama often employs Gothic elements, such as haunted houses, graveyards, and stormy weather, to create a sense of atmosphere and suspense.
* Victorian morality: Melodrama often reflects Victorian values, such as the importance of virtue, chastity, and hard work.
* Popular culture: Melodrama has been influenced by a variety of popular culture sources, such as penny dreadfuls, dime novels, and vaudeville.
* Other sources: Melodrama has also been influenced by a variety of other sources, such as Greek tragedy, Shakespearean drama, and Italian opera.