Why is New England a popular setting for horror stories?

New England ghost stories are popular because of its rich history. The area has a long past filled with events like the Salem Witch Trials which are ripe for spooky tales.

One common theme is the isolation of the New England landscape. The vast forests, small towns and old mansions can create a sense of loneliness and unease, like in many of Lovecraft's stories.

One common element is the old, spooky architecture. The colonial houses with their creaking floors and dark attics often serve as settings for horror. Another is the isolation. Many New England areas are rural, and the sense of being alone in the woods or in a small, desolate town can be very scary. Also, the long, cold winters add to the gloomy atmosphere in horror stories.

They often draw on the region's history. New England has a long and sometimes dark history, such as the Salem witch trials. Novels may incorporate elements of witchcraft, superstition, and the fear of the unknown that was prevalent during those times. This historical backdrop adds depth and authenticity to the horror.

There's also the story of the Lizzie Borden murders. In 1892, Lizzie Borden was accused of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in Fall River, Massachusetts. The mystery and horror surrounding the case have made it a staple of New England's scary story lore.

In horror stories set in New England, the presence of the sea can be a key element. Storms at sea, haunted lighthouses, and strange creatures emerging from the ocean are common. The Puritan heritage also adds to the horror. Their strict beliefs and the idea of sin and punishment can be used to create a sense of dread. Plus, the local folklore and superstitions, such as tales of banshees or other supernatural beings, are often incorporated into the horror stories.

H. P. Lovecraft's works are also full of New England horror elements. For example, 'The Call of Cthulhu'. His stories often involve ancient, otherworldly and terrifying entities lurking in the New England landscapes.

Maybe it's because Maine has a lot of creepy, old buildings and dense forests that give off a spooky vibe.

Well, horror stories are popular for a few reasons. First, they let us face our fears in a controlled way. Also, they can be a form of escape from the mundane. And for some, it's the excitement of not knowing what's going to happen next.

They're popular because they add an extra layer of fear. Knowing that something similar could actually happen in real life makes the horror more palpable. For example, films like 'The Amityville Horror' which is based on a true story of a haunted house. People can't help but wonder if such things could occur in their own lives.