Isolation is a common theme. Submarines are cut off from the outside world, so characters often feel alone and helpless. Another theme is the unknown. The deep ocean is full of mysteries, and in these novels, there could be strange creatures or phenomena. Danger from the environment is also prevalent. For example, pressure problems or equipment failures can add to the horror.
Well, one of the main themes is the power of the ocean. It's vast and unpredictable in submarine horror novels. The ocean can seem like a malevolent force. Claustrophobia is another big theme. The confined space of a submarine can heighten the sense of fear. And then there's the theme of discovery gone wrong. Maybe the submarine crew discovers something they shouldn't have, like an ancient evil or a dangerous new life form, which then leads to all kinds of horror.
One common theme is the sense of isolation. Submarines are closed - off environments, which can heighten the connection between the characters romantically. They are kind of cut off from the outside world, so their relationship becomes very important.
One common theme is the relationship between the crew members. In a submarine short story, you often see how they cooperate, rely on each other and sometimes have conflicts. Danger is also a prevalent theme. Submarines operate in a dangerous environment, so stories may focus on how they avoid perils such as underwater volcanoes or getting trapped. And technology can be a theme too. How the submarine's advanced technology helps or sometimes fails them in their missions.
There are also some lesser - known submarine horror stories from World War I. Submarines were relatively new technology at that time, and crews faced many unknowns. Some submarines got lost, ran out of oxygen, or had mechanical failures deep underwater. The crews had to endure the horror of being trapped in a small, metal tube with no way out, slowly succumbing to the elements or lack of resources.
One common theme is the idea of the shrine being a source of ancient evil. For example, in many novels, the shrine might be the resting place of an old demon or dark spirit that gets awakened.
One common theme is the battle between good and evil. In these novels, the fiend represents pure evil, and often there are characters trying to oppose it, like priests or brave individuals. For example, in 'The Amityville Horror', the family has to deal with the malevolent presence in their new home.
The theme of the dragon's lair is also common. The lair is usually a dark, dangerous place filled with the dragon's hoard and other terrors. It represents the heart of the horror. When characters enter the lair, they are in the most dangerous place possible, and the descriptions of the lair can be really spooky, with bones and strange artifacts everywhere, and the ever - present threat of the dragon.
One common theme is the fear of the unknown. Ghosts often represent something that is beyond our understanding. Another is death and the afterlife. These novels explore what might happen after we die. For example, in 'Dracula', the vampire is a kind of undead being, blurring the lines between life and death.
Well, a major theme is the threat of being consumed. Whether it's by a huge sea monster or some sort of malevolent underwater entity, the idea of being eaten or destroyed underwater is common. Also, the theme of the breakdown of technology is often present. In underwater settings, technology like submarines or diving equipment is crucial for survival, and when it fails, it leads to horror. And there's the theme of madness. The isolation and the strange things that happen underwater can drive characters insane, which is a typical element in these novels.
One common theme is the supernatural. Ghosts, demons, and otherworldly entities often play a big role. For example, in 'The Shining', the haunted hotel is filled with ghosts that drive the characters to madness. Another theme is psychological terror. It messes with the characters' and readers' minds, like in 'Psycho' where the seemingly normal motel owner has a terrifying secret. Also, death and the fear of it are prevalent. It could be a sudden, violent death or the anticipation of it, which creates a sense of dread throughout the story.
Another theme is the mermaid's connection to the unknown and the deep sea. The deep sea is often seen as a place full of mystery and danger in these novels, and mermaids are part of that. For example, mermaids might be guardians of some ancient and evil power hidden in the ocean depths. They will attack anyone who gets too close to this power. This creates a sense of horror as humans are often portrayed as being curious but ignorant of the real danger.