It's Friday the 13th and as usual we are inundated with scary movies, shows, stories and songs! It's all in good fun! Who doesn't love a good spook?! But what is it with our fascination with things that go bump in the night?
The horror genre has captivated audiences for centuries, evolving through various forms and media while delving into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Let's delve into the history of horror, its subgenres and backgrounds, notable figures in the field and the psychological reasons behind our fascination with horror.
The History of Horror
Early Beginnings: Ancient Myths and Folklore: Horror has its roots in ancient myths and folklore, where stories of gods, monsters, and supernatural beings were used to explain the unknown and instill moral lessons. Tales of vengeful spirits, demons, and creatures like the Greek Gorgons or the Egyptian Anubis laid the foundation for horror storytelling.
Gothic Horror (18th and 19th Centuries): Literary Roots: The modern horror genre began to take shape in the late 18th century with the rise of Gothic literature. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897) are seminal works that introduced themes of science gone awry and vampirism, respectively. These novels combined elements of romance, death, and the supernatural, setting the stage for future horror narratives.
Early 20th Century: Pulp Magazines and Radio: The early 20th century saw horror stories flourish in pulp magazines like Weird Tales. H.P. Lovecraft emerged as a key figure, with his Cthulhu Mythos creating a new subgenre of cosmic horror. Radio dramas also gained popularity, with shows like Lights Out bringing horror into American homes.
Mid to Late 20th Century: Golden Age of Horror Films: The 1930s and 1940s are considered the golden age of horror films, with Universal Studios producing iconic movies such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. Later, the 1960s and 1970s brought a new wave of horror with films like Psycho (1960), Night of the Living Dead (1968), and The Exorcist (1973), exploring psychological horror and societal fears.
Contemporary Horror: Diverse Media: Today, horror thrives across various media, including books, films, TV shows, and video games. Modern horror often blends subgenres and pushes boundaries, with directors like Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us) and authors like Stephen King continuing to innovate and influence the genre.
Subgenres of Horror
The horror genre's subgenres each offer unique ways to explore fear, suspense, and the darker aspects of human nature. From the eerie atmospheres of Gothic horror to the visceral thrills of slasher films and the existential dread of cosmic horror, each subgenre provides a distinct experience that caters to different tastes and taps into various psychological and emotional fears.
Gothic Horror:
Background: Originating in the 18th century, Gothic horror combines romance and horror, often set in gloomy, decaying castles or mansions. It explores themes of madness, death, and the supernatural.
Examples: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe.
Psychological Horror:
Background: This subgenre focuses on the mental and emotional states of characters, exploring fears, phobias, and mental illness. It often involves unreliable narrators and twists.
Examples: Psycho by Robert Bloch, The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, The Shining by Stephen King, Black Swan (film) directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Supernatural Horror:
Background: Supernatural horror involves elements beyond the natural world, such as ghosts, demons, and otherworldly entities. It plays on fears of the unknown and the afterlife.
Examples: The Shining by Stephen King, The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, The Conjuring (film) directed by James Wan.
Slasher:
Background: The slasher subgenre revolves around a killer who stalks and murders a group of people, often teens. It typically includes graphic violence and suspense.
Examples: Halloween by John Carpenter, A Nightmare on Elm Street by Wes Craven, Friday the 13th (film) directed by Sean S. Cunningham.
Cosmic Horror:
Background: Popularized by H.P. Lovecraft, cosmic horror emphasizes the insignificance of humanity in the face of vast, unknowable cosmic forces. It often involves ancient, powerful beings.
Examples: The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft, Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, Event Horizon (film) directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.
Body Horror:
Background: Body horror explores the grotesque and disturbing transformations, mutilations, and infections of the human body. It often involves themes of disease and alienation and the fragility of the human form.
Examples: The Fly by David Cronenberg, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Tusk (film) directed by Kevin Smith.
Folk Horror
Background: Folk horror draws on rural settings, folklore, and pagan traditions. It often involves themes of isolation, ancient rituals, and the dark side of nature and rural life.
Examples: The Wicker Man (film) directed by Robin Hardy, Midsommar (film) directed by Ari Aster, The Witch (film) directed by Robert Eggers.
Monster Horror
Background: Monster horror features creatures that pose a threat to human beings. These monsters can be anything from vampires and werewolves to kaiju (giant monsters) and other fantastical beasts.
Examples: Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Mummy (film) directed by Karl Freund, Godzilla (film) directed by Ishirō Honda.
Zombie Horror
Background: Zombie horror focuses on the undead, usually as reanimated corpses that feed on the living. This subgenre often explores themes of survival, apocalypse, and the breakdown of society.
Examples: Night of the Living Dead (film) directed by George A. Romero, The Walking Dead (TV series) created by Frank Darabont, World War Z by Max Brooks.
Survival Horror
Background: Survival horror often features characters in extreme, life-threatening situations, where the primary focus is on their struggle to survive. This subgenre is common in both films and video games.
Examples: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (film) directed by Tobe Hooper, Resident Evil (video game series) created by Capcom, The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
Notable Figures in Horror
Edgar Allan Poe: Known for his macabre and gothic tales, Poe's works like "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher" are foundational to American horror literature.
H.P. Lovecraft: Creator of the Cthulhu Mythos, Lovecraft’s works introduced the concept of cosmic horror, emphasizing the insignificance of humanity in a vast, indifferent universe.
Stephen King: Often called the "King of Horror," Stephen King has written numerous bestselling horror novels, including Carrie, It, and The Shining, blending psychological and supernatural elements.
Alfred Hitchcock: A master of suspense and psychological horror, Hitchcock’s films like Psycho and The Birds have become classics, influencing countless filmmakers.
Wes Craven: Known for revitalizing the slasher genre with A Nightmare on Elm Street and the Scream series, Craven's work combines horror with sharp social commentary.
Psychological and Emotional Appeal of Horror
Catharsis: Emotional Release: Horror allows audiences to confront and purge deep-seated fears in a controlled environment, providing a sense of relief and emotional cleansing.
Adrenaline Rush: Thrill-Seeking: The adrenaline rush from fear and suspense can be exhilarating, similar to the thrill of riding a roller coaster.
Exploration of the Unknown: Curiosity: Horror satisfies a deep-seated curiosity about the unknown, the supernatural, and the afterlife, offering a safe way to explore these concepts.
Social Commentary: Reflection of Societal Fears: Horror often reflects societal anxieties and fears, providing a lens through which to examine cultural issues and moral dilemmas.
Empathy and Resilience: Character Identification: Engaging with horror can foster empathy for characters and resilience, as viewers navigate terrifying scenarios alongside them.
Conclusion - Let the Jump Scares Begin!!
The horror genre is a rich tapestry of storytelling that delves into the darkest corners of the human experience. Its evolution, from ancient myths to modern multimedia experiences, showcases humanity’s enduring fascination with fear. Through various subgenres and the contributions of iconic figures, horror continues to captivate and terrify, offering a unique blend of thrills, emotional catharsis, and social reflection. Understanding the psychological and emotional reasons behind our engagement with horror reveals its profound impact on our minds and culture.
Happy Friday 13th!
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