In the short story 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the female protagonist is confined in an asylum - like room. Her slow descent into madness as she becomes obsessed with the wallpaper is a fascinating and disturbing exploration of the female psyche in a restrictive environment.
Well, in some insane asylum horror stories, there could be patients with unexplained powers. For example, a patient who could make others see their worst nightmares just by looking at them. Also, there might be a story where the asylum was built on an ancient burial ground, and the spirits of the dead torment the living in the asylum. There could also be a story about a cruel experiment that went horribly wrong and created a monster - like creature within the asylum.
It depends. Some might find them disturbing because they often deal with mental illness, which can include dark and difficult themes like hallucinations, severe depression, and abnormal behavior.
Bedlam in various works of fiction could be considered very famous. Historically, it was a real asylum in London, and in fictional portrayals, it has often been depicted as a place full of horror and mystery. It has been a setting where the line between the sane and the insane is blurred, and the inhumane treatment of patients has sometimes been a central theme.
One horror story is about a patient who was constantly heard screaming at night in an old insane asylum. The staff could never find the source of the screams. Turns out, there was a hidden, sealed - off room where a former patient had died in a cruel experiment long ago, and it seemed like his spirit was trapped there, still in agony.
One true story is about a patient who believed he could communicate with the walls. He would spend hours whispering to them as if they were alive. Another story involves a woman who was convinced she was a famous singer from the 1920s and would perform for the other patients in the asylum's hallways. There was also a man who thought he was a bird and would flap his arms and try to perch on the furniture.
Arkham Asylum. It's extremely popular, especially among Batman fans. Its popularity comes from the fact that it is home to some of the most iconic villains in comic book history. The dark and gothic atmosphere of Arkham, along with the psychological depth given to the characters within it, makes it a standout. It has also been featured in many movies, video games, and TV shows related to Batman, which has only increased its fame.
I'd say 'The Bell Jar' is also very popular. Sylvia Plath's semi - autobiographical work has a lot of fans. It gives a very personal and poignant view of mental illness and the asylum environment. It's studied in many literature classes too. Another popular one is 'Girl, Interrupted'. It has a relatable narrative for those interested in the experiences within a mental institution.
One story is about a patient in an insane asylum who claimed to see a shadow figure every night. The figure would stand at the end of his bed, just staring. No one else could see it. One night, the patient disappeared, and all that was left was a cold, dark mark on his bed, as if something had dragged him away.
Some might be based on real events to a certain extent. For example, in old asylums, there were often tragic deaths, and people's imaginations could be sparked by these historical facts. However, a lot of it is also just superstition and the power of suggestion. People tend to be more scared in such spooky settings, so they might misinterpret normal noises or shadows as ghosts.