One common theme is the search for meaning. In these stories, characters often struggle to find purpose in a chaotic or indifferent world. For example, in Kafka's works, the protagonists are constantly facing situations that seem to defy logic and normalcy, making them question their place in the universe. Another theme is isolation. Characters may be physically or emotionally cut off from others, like in 'The Outsider' by Lovecraft. This isolation intensifies the horror as they face their existential fears alone.
The concept of mortality is a big theme. Existential horror short stories often remind us of our own mortality and the inevitability of death. Stories like 'The Masque of the Red Death' use the idea of a deadly plague to show how death can come for anyone at any time. Also, the loss of self - identity is common. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the main character gradually loses her sense of self as she is confined and oppressed. This can create a sense of horror as we identify with the character's struggle to hold on to who they are.
A sense of the absurd is often present. The world in these stories can seem illogical and cruel, like in 'The Metamorphosis' where a man turns into an insect for no apparent reason. It makes the characters and readers question the basic assumptions of reality. Another theme is the powerlessness of the individual. Whether it's against fate, society, or some unknown force, the characters in these stories often feel helpless, which adds to the overall sense of existential horror.
Another theme is the search for freedom. In novels like 'Native Son', the characters are trapped by social and economic circumstances related to their race. Their quest for freedom is not just physical but also psychological and existential, as they try to break free from the mental shackles of a racist society.
Existential fantasy novels often deal with themes of free will. Characters may struggle with whether they have control over their own destinies or if they are being guided by some external force. The concept of isolation is also common. They might be in a world that is different from others, like in 'The Gormenghast Trilogy' where the characters are in a strange, isolated castle. And then there's the theme of the meaning of life. Characters are constantly seeking purpose, whether it's through a quest or just trying to understand their place in the strange worlds they inhabit. These themes are explored within the fantastical elements such as magic, strange creatures, and otherworldly settings which make the exploration more vivid and thought - provoking.
Another theme might be the idea of being trapped. For example, a character could be trapped in a haunted place, either physically, like being locked in a spooky old building, or mentally, like being haunted by a past trauma that keeps repeating in their mind. There could also be a theme of the supernatural, with ghosts, demons, or other unworldly entities making appearances in the stories, causing fear and chaos for the characters.
Well, in '20 short horror stories', a recurring theme is isolation. Characters often find themselves alone in spooky situations, like in the old asylum or lost in the forest. This isolation heightens the sense of fear. Madness is another theme. Some characters go insane due to the terrifying things they experience, such as in the underground tunnels story. And death is a common theme too. Whether it's the threat of death or the mystery surrounding it, as in the story of the cursed object that seems to bring death closer to those who touch it.
Well, isolation is a theme. In many horror short stories, the characters are often alone or in isolated places. This can be like in 'The Cask of Amontillado' where Fortunato is trapped deep in the catacombs. Supernatural elements are also common. Stories such as 'Ligeia' have elements of the supernatural, like the return of the dead wife. And guilt is another theme. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's guilt over his murder is part of what makes the story so horrifying.
One common theme was the supernatural. A lot of the stories had elements like ghosts, demons, or otherworldly creatures.
Fear of the unknown is a common theme. Many stories play on the idea that there are things out there we can't understand, like in stories with supernatural elements.
One common theme is the unknown. Things that are not understood or are hidden in the shadows often create fear. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's madness is an unknown factor that scares the reader. Another theme is death. Many horror short stories revolve around death, either the fear of it or the aftermath, like in 'The Monkey's Paw'. And the theme of isolation is also prevalent. When characters are alone, they seem more vulnerable to the horror, as seen in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the woman is isolated in her room.
One great existential horror short story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It delves into a woman's descent into madness in a confined space, exploring themes of identity and oppression. Another is 'The Masque of the Red Death' by Edgar Allan Poe. It uses the setting of a party during a plague to show the inescapability of death and the futility of trying to avoid it. Also, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Poe is an example. The narrator's obsession and guilt over the old man's eye lead to a terrifying psychological exploration.
One classic is 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft. It presents an indescribable and ancient horror that exists beyond human comprehension. The very existence of Cthulhu, a monstrous being from another dimension, challenges the sanity of those who discover it. Another is Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis', where Gregor Samsa wakes up transformed into a bug. His new state makes him question his identity and his place in the world, creating an existential dread as he is isolated and dehumanized. And then there's 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The protagonist's slow descent into madness as she is confined and made to confront the strange patterns on the wallpaper is a form of existential horror, as she loses her sense of self and reality.