Horror (literary genre)

Home > Literature > Horror (literary genre)

A genre of literature that seeks to provoke fear and terror in the reader through the use of supernatural or psychological menace.

Gothic Literature: A literary genre that combines elements of horror and romanticism. Characteristic elements include dark settings, supernatural elements, and a sense of mystery and suspense.
Horror Subgenres: There are several subgenres of horror, including supernatural, psychological, body horror, monster, and slasher. Each subgenre focuses on a different type of horror experience.
Horror Themes: Horror often explores themes such as death, the unknown, fear, and the supernatural. These themes can be used to create a sense of terror or unease in the reader.
Classic Horror Literature: The genre of horror has a rich history, with classic works such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Edgar Allan Poe's short stories. Understanding these works can provide insights into the evolution of the genre.
Horror Tropes: Horror often employs certain tropes, such as the final girl, the haunted house, and the mad scientist. Familiarity with these tropes can help readers understand and appreciate horror stories.
Horror Film and TV: Horror is a popular genre in film and television. Understanding the conventions of horror in these media can provide insights into the genre as a whole.
Horror Comics and Graphic Novels: Horror is also a popular genre in comics and graphic novels. Understanding the visual language of horror in this medium can provide unique insights into the genre.
Horror in Pop Culture: Horror has permeated all aspects of pop culture, from fashion to music. Understanding the impact of horror on pop culture can provide insights into its enduring popularity.
Quote: "Horror is a genre of fiction that is intended to disturb, frighten or scare."
Quote: "Horror is often divided into the sub-genres of psychological horror and supernatural horror."
Quote: "Literary historian J. A. Cuddon [...] defined the horror story as 'a piece of fiction in prose of variable length... which shocks, or even frightens the reader, or perhaps induces a feeling of repulsion or loathing'."
Quote: "Horror intends to create an eerie and frightening atmosphere for the reader."
Quote: "Often the central menace of a work of horror fiction can be interpreted as a metaphor for larger fears of a society."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include ghosts, demons, vampires, monsters, zombies, werewolves, the Devil, extraterrestrial life, killer toys, evil clowns, cults, evil witches, and cannibalism."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include man-made or natural disasters."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include psychopaths, sexual deviancy, rape, gore, torture, and vicious animals."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include dystopia."
Quote: "Often the central menace of a work of horror fiction can be interpreted as a metaphor for larger fears of a society."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include the Devil."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include serial killers."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include evil clowns."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include the apocalypse."
Quote: "Horror is often divided into the sub-genres of psychological horror and supernatural horror."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include evil witches."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include monsters and zombies."
Quote: "Horror is often divided into the sub-genres of psychological horror and supernatural horror."
Quote: "Prevalent elements include cannibalism."
Quote: "Literary historian J. A. Cuddon [...] defined the horror story as 'a piece of fiction in prose of variable length... which shocks, or even frightens the reader, or perhaps induces a feeling of repulsion or loathing'."