What are the characteristics of the classic horror novels?

Classic horror fiction novels often feature themes that are timeless. For instance, death and the afterlife are common themes, as seen in 'The Call of Cthulhu' with its otherworldly entities related to death. They also use vivid descriptions to create a terrifying image in the reader's mind. In 'The Shining', the description of the hotel's haunted rooms and corridors is very vivid. Another characteristic is the use of psychological horror, like in 'Rosemary's Baby' where the main character's mental state is gradually eroded by the horror around her.

Classic French horror novels often have a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, in 'The Phantom of the Opera', the grand and shadowy Paris Opera House is a key element. They also tend to explore complex psychological states. In 'The Horla', the narrator's gradual descent into madness due to the unseen entity is a prime example. Another characteristic is the use of the supernatural. Vampires, werewolves, and other such creatures are common elements.

Modern horror classic novels often feature complex characters. For example, in 'The Shining', Jack Torrance is not just a one - dimensional victim or villain. He has his own psychological issues and backstory that contribute to the horror. Another characteristic is the use of contemporary settings. Instead of the old castles of traditional horror, they might be set in modern cities like in 'American Psycho'. Also, they tend to play on modern fears such as isolation in a technological age as seen in 'Bird Box'.

Old classic horror novels often have a sense of the unknown. They play on fears that are deeply rooted in human nature, like the fear of death or the dark. For example, in 'Dracula', the idea of an immortal vampire preying on the living is terrifying. Another characteristic is the use of atmosphere. 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' creates a gloomy and mysterious London setting that adds to the horror.

A classic horror story in 2021 often combines modern elements with traditional scare tactics. It might feature advanced special effects and a more complex plot to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Dark and mysterious settings are a main feature. Old castles, gloomy mansions, and desolate landscapes often serve as backdrops. For example, in 'Dracula', the Transylvanian castle is a key element.

One characteristic is the use of atmosphere. They often create a sense of dread, like in 'Dracula' where the dark and spooky castles add to the horror. Another is the exploration of the unknown. For example, in 'Frankenstein', the idea of creating life from death was very unknown at the time. Also, they usually have strong and often disturbing characters, like Mr. Hyde in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'.

They often have a sense of the unknown. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the power of the paw is mysterious and the consequences of the wishes are unexpected. Another characteristic is the use of atmosphere. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', Poe builds a tense atmosphere through the narrator's paranoia. Also, they usually have a quick - paced plot to keep the horror building. Like in 'The Cask of Amontillado', the events unfold rapidly as Fortunato is led deeper into the catacombs.

Classic Victorian horror stories typically have a very strong atmosphere. They are set in a time when society was highly stratified. The horror often stems from the fear of the breakdown of social order or the discovery of dark secrets. For example, in 'Dracula', the vampire represents a threat to the Victorian moral and social fabric. There are also themes of madness and the power of the past over the present.

It often uses vivid and creepy descriptions to create a sense of dread. Also, it might have dark and mysterious words to build tension.