Horror is a literary genre designed to evoke intense emotional responses of fear and psychological unease. Originating from the Latin verb meaning “to bristle”, horror explores dark human experiences and challenges our perception of safety.
The genre encompasses diverse subgenres including supernatural, psychological, gothic, and survival horror. Each approach aims to provoke visceral emotional reactions by tapping into primal fears and creating atmospheres of tension and impending danger.
Beyond entertainment, horror serves a deeper psychological purpose. It allows readers to safely explore fear, confront societal anxieties, and experience adrenaline-inducing scenarios from the protection of their imagination. As H.P. Lovecraft noted, “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.”
Summary Section Christine is a supernatural horror novel that revolves around a 1958 Plymouth Fury, named Christine, which possesses a malevolent spirit. The story is set in the late 1970s in a suburban town and follows the life of Arnie Cunningham, a socially awkward high school student who becomes infatuated with the car. After purchasing Christine, […]
Needful Things – Summary “Needful Things” is a gripping novel that explores the dark side of desire and the destructive power of temptation. Set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, the story begins with the arrival of Leland Gaunt, a mysterious shopkeeper who opens a store called “Needful Things”. The shop offers an
The Shining – Summary The Shining is a chilling horror novel that explores the psychological and supernatural unravelling of a family isolated in a haunted hotel. The story follows Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in Colorado. Accompanied by his wife
Summary “Misery” is a psychological horror novel that tells the gripping story of Paul Sheldon, a successful author known for his romance novels featuring the beloved character Misery Chastain. After finishing his latest manuscript, Paul decides to kill off Misery, believing it will free him to pursue more serious writing. However, fate intervenes when he
Summary Stephen King’s “It” is a horror novel that weaves a chilling tale of childhood trauma and enduring evil. Set in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, the story alternates between two time periods: 1958 and 1985. At its core, the novel follows seven outcasts known as the Losers’ Club as they confront a malevolent
Summary Stephen King’s debut novel “Carrie” is a gripping tale of supernatural horror set in the small town of Chamberlain, Maine. The story revolves around Carrie White, a 16-year-old high school student who has been an outcast her entire life. Bullied relentlessly by her peers and oppressed by her fanatically religious mother, Carrie’s life takes
