Psychological horror is a sub-genre of horror that relies on character fears, guilt, beliefs, and emotional instability to build tension. It aims to create discomfort by exposing common or universal psychological and emotional vulnerabilities and fears, such as the shadowy parts of the human mind that most people suppress or deny.
This genre is often characterized by the psychological disintegration of a character or characters. Rather than relying on gore and violence, the complexity of the mental state of the characters is explored. The narrative is often told from a first-person perspective, adding a layer of deep personal connection and understanding to the reader.
Origins and Evolution of Psychological Horror
The origins of psychological horror can be traced back to Gothic literature of the 18th and 19th centuries. Works such as Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Edgar Allan Poe’s stories have elements of psychological horror, focusing on the mental state of the characters and the fear of the unknown.
Over time, the genre has evolved, incorporating elements from other genres such as thriller and mystery. The evolution of psychological horror has also been influenced by societal changes and the increasing understanding and awareness of mental health issues.
The Influence of Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe is often cited as a major influence in the development of psychological horror. His works often explore the darker aspects of the human mind, with characters who are haunted by their pasts or by their own minds. His stories often leave readers questioning the reality of what they’ve read, a hallmark of psychological horror.
His story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” for example, is told from the perspective of a murderer who becomes increasingly paranoid about being caught, to the point where he believes he can hear his victim’s heart still beating. This exploration of guilt and paranoia set the stage for many psychological horror stories to come.
Modern Psychological Horror
Modern psychological horror continues to evolve, with authors pushing the boundaries of the genre. Stephen King, for example, has written numerous psychological horror novels that explore the fears and insecurities of his characters. His novel “Misery” explores the fear of captivity and the mental instability of a deranged fan.
Other authors, like Thomas Harris with his Hannibal Lecter series, delve into the minds of psychopaths, creating a chilling and disturbing exploration of the human psyche. These modern works continue to push the boundaries of psychological horror, creating stories that are as thought-provoking as they are terrifying.
Characteristics of Psychological Horror
Psychological horror is characterized by a focus on the mental, emotional, and psychological states of the characters. The horror and fear in these stories come from the mind, rather than from external physical threats. This often leads to a sense of dread and anticipation in the reader, as they are drawn into the character’s mental disintegration.
The settings in psychological horror are often mundane and familiar, which serves to make the horror elements more disturbing. The horror comes from the unexpected, from the realization that the familiar can become unfamiliar and terrifying. This also serves to make the reader question their own reality and perceptions.
The Unreliable Narrator
An important characteristic of psychological horror is the use of an unreliable narrator. This is a narrator whose credibility is compromised, either due to mental instability or deliberate deception. This adds a layer of uncertainty and unpredictability to the story, as the reader cannot trust the narrator’s version of events.
The use of an unreliable narrator also serves to create a sense of confusion and disorientation in the reader, mirroring the mental state of the characters. This technique is used to great effect in psychological horror, adding to the overall sense of unease and fear.
The Exploration of Fear and Paranoia
Psychological horror often explores themes of fear and paranoia. Characters may be haunted by their pasts, by guilt, or by their own minds. This exploration of fear and paranoia serves to create a sense of dread and anticipation in the reader, as they are drawn into the character’s mental disintegration.
The exploration of fear and paranoia also serves to make the horror more personal. The fears explored are often universal, tapping into common anxieties and insecurities. This makes the horror more relatable and therefore more terrifying.
Impact of Psychological Horror
Psychological horror has had a significant impact on literature and popular culture. It has influenced numerous authors and filmmakers, and has led to the creation of some of the most memorable and terrifying stories in literature and film.
The genre has also had a significant impact on the way we view and understand fear. By focusing on the psychological aspects of fear, psychological horror has helped to deepen our understanding of this complex emotion.
Influence on Literature
Psychological horror has influenced numerous authors, from Stephen King to Thomas Harris. These authors have used the genre to explore the darker aspects of the human mind, creating stories that are as thought-provoking as they are terrifying.
The influence of psychological horror can also be seen in other genres, such as thriller and mystery. The focus on the psychological state of the characters and the exploration of fear and paranoia have become common elements in these genres.
Influence on Film
Psychological horror has also had a significant impact on film. Directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick have used elements of psychological horror in their films, creating some of the most memorable and terrifying scenes in cinema history.
Modern filmmakers continue to be influenced by psychological horror, with films like “The Babadook” and “Get Out” using the genre to explore societal issues and personal fears. These films show that psychological horror continues to be a powerful tool for storytelling.
Conclusion
Psychological horror is a complex and fascinating genre that explores the darker aspects of the human mind. Its focus on the mental, emotional, and psychological states of the characters, combined with the use of familiar settings and universal fears, makes it a powerful tool for storytelling.
From its origins in Gothic literature to its influence on modern literature and film, psychological horror continues to evolve and push the boundaries of what is possible in storytelling. It is a genre that challenges us to confront our own fears and insecurities, and to question our perceptions of reality.
Kathryn Taylor was born and raised in the Midwest and has been a book lover and writer since childhood. As a queer teenager, she found solace in writing, and has written professionally ever since graduating from college. She loves a variety of fiction book genres, including romance books, thrillers, YA, sci-fi, and adventure. She's also a fan of the Oxford comma.
Kathryn has received numerous awards for her writing and now writes exclusively for RT Book Reviews. She is a passionate activist in the LGBTQ+ community, speaking at conferences and leading queer writing workshops. When not reading and writing, Kathryn enjoys visiting local libraries and bookstores across the country, exploring new cities, and spending time with her family.
