His short stories are known for their rich language. He had a way with words that could paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The descriptions in his stories are detailed, whether it's about a spooky old house or a desolate landscape, which adds to the overall mood.
Well, 'The White People' is an important piece in his collected fiction. It contains elements of the occult and the uncanny. Machen uses his writing to blur the lines between the real and the supernatural, making the reader question what is possible. His detailed descriptions of the strange rituals and the mindset of the characters add to the overall allure of this work.
There are also characters who are more on the fringes of society. Machen liked to use these types of characters to show different perspectives. They might be hermits or people with a somewhat seedy past, and their unique outlooks play important roles in the development of the stories.
Robert Aickman and Arthur Machen are both masters in the field of ghost stories. Their works often feature a sense of the uncanny and the unknown. Aickman's stories tend to be more psychologically complex, delving deep into the human psyche. Machen, on the other hand, has a more traditional approach in some ways, with elements of Welsh folklore often seeping into his tales. Their stories are not just about scaring the reader but also about exploring deeper themes such as the nature of reality, human nature, and the existence of the supernatural. Reading their works can be a journey into a world that blurs the line between the real and the imagined.
One key difference is their narrative pacing. Machen sometimes has a more straightforward pacing, leading the reader through the events in a more linear fashion. Aickman, however, likes to play with time and perception, which can make his stories feel more disorienting. Another aspect is the use of characters. Machen's characters often seem to be more archetypal, representing certain types within the context of his stories. Aickman's characters are more complex individuals with their own internal struggles that are often at the heart of the supernatural events they experience.
Machen's collected fiction has had an impact on modern literature in terms of its use of atmosphere. His ability to create a sense of dread and mystery in his stories has been emulated by many contemporary authors. For example, his detailed descriptions of eerie landscapes and strange events have influenced how modern writers build tension in their works. Also, his exploration of the human mind's reaction to the supernatural has provided a template for modern psychological horror.
The main theme of 'the great god pan short story' is likely the exploration of the human psyche in the face of the primordial and the uncanny. Pan, as a figure from Greek mythology, embodies a certain wildness and chaos. The story might be delving into how humans react when confronted with such elements that are so different from their normal, civilized existence. It could also touch on themes of forbidden knowledge, as Pan is often associated with secrets and things that are better left alone.
There may be other contemporary authors who have been inspired by Machen's 'The Great God Pan' and have written works with similar themes. However, they are not as well - known as Machen in this specific regard. Machen was a pioneer in exploring the idea of this ancient god in the context of horror literature, and his influence can be seen in the works of later horror writers who also deal with themes of pagan deities and the unknown.
One of the well - known 'The Great God Pan' horror novels is Arthur Machen's 'The Great God Pan' itself. It is a classic in the horror genre that delves into the idea of a pagan god and the terrors that its awakening can bring. It often plays with themes of the unknown, the power of ancient entities, and the fragility of the human mind when faced with such ineffable horrors.