The concept of evil is a big theme in dark horror novels. It can be presented as an external force, like a demon, or an internal corruption within a character. Isolation is also common. Characters are often alone in a spooky place, which heightens the sense of fear. And then there's the theme of the past coming back to haunt the present, like a long - forgotten curse or a family secret that brings horror to the current generation.
A very common theme is the power of the supernatural. This could be magic, psychic powers, or otherworldly entities. Another is the breakdown of society. In some horror novels, the horror is not just about individual scares but about how society crumbles under the weight of some terrifying force. And body horror is also a theme sometimes, where the human body is distorted or invaded in a grotesque way, creating a sense of unease and horror.
Many 'dark horror short stories' also deal with the theme of the supernatural. This can include ghosts, curses, or otherworldly forces. For example, the cursed monkey's paw in 'The Monkey's Paw' that has the power to change fate in a very dark way. The presence of the supernatural makes the reader question what is possible and adds to the overall sense of horror.
The theme of the supernatural is another key aspect. Gothic horror dark passion novels often use the supernatural to heighten the sense of mystery and fear. In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', the portrait that ages instead of Dorian is a supernatural element that ties into the themes of moral decay and the dark passion of Dorian's pursuit of a hedonistic lifestyle. It represents the hidden consequences of his actions in a very gothic way.
One common theme could be the sense of isolation. In a dark swamp, characters are often cut off from the outside world, which heightens the horror. Another might be the unknown creatures that lurk there. The mystery of what could be hiding in the murky waters and thick vegetation adds to the scare factor. And the feeling of being lost, both physically and metaphorically, is also prevalent as the swamp can be a disorienting place.
Supernatural elements are everywhere. It could be ghosts, demons or some otherworldly forces that are drawn to the rapper's lyrics or the act of rapping itself. For example, a rapper's words might accidentally summon a malevolent spirit.
Another theme is the past haunting the present. In many 'dark secrets novel', something that happened long ago, like a crime or a family scandal, resurfaces and affects the current situation. It's like in 'The Secret History' where the past actions of a group of students come back to haunt them in the present day. It creates a sense of mystery and dread as the characters try to deal with these resurfacing secrets.
One common theme is secrecy. In these novels, characters often keep their obsessions hidden, which adds to the mystery and tension.
Power struggle is a common theme. In the medieval times, power was highly coveted. In these novels, you often see characters vying for control over kingdoms, lands, or religious institutions. For example, in 'The Pillars of the Earth', there are constant battles between different noble families for supremacy.
One common theme is the struggle between good and evil within a character. For example, in 'Frankenstein', Victor Frankenstein's initial desire to create life is a form of dark desire as it goes against nature. But he also has a moral side that is constantly at war with this dark urge.
Isolation is also a theme. Characters in these novels are often isolated either because of their quest for revenge or because of the dark nature of their 'debt'. They may be shunned by society or choose to distance themselves as they pursue their own dark goals, as seen in 'Moby - Dick' where Captain Ahab is so obsessed with his 'debt' to the whale that he becomes isolated from his crew in a sense.
Power struggle is a very common theme. The dark queens in these novels are often fighting to maintain or gain more power. For example, they may face challenges from other nobles or kingdoms.