The themes include the power of the past. In 'The Great God Pan is Dead and Other Horror Stories', the past seems to have a lingering and often malevolent influence. It can be in the form of old legends like that of Pan coming back to haunt the present. Also, the theme of mortality is present. The death of the great god Pan might be seen as a metaphor for the inescapability of death, and how we as humans react to the knowledge of our own mortality through fear and dread.
Well, themes such as the disruption of the natural order are quite prominent. The death of a god, especially one like Pan who was associated with nature, can signify a great upheaval in the natural world as presented in the stories. And there's the theme of psychological horror. It shows how the human psyche can be tormented by the idea of the supernatural, not just from external threats but also from the internal struggle of trying to make sense of the incomprehensible horror that these stories present.
Since I haven't read every single story in detail, it's hard to name all the main characters. But typically, there are often ordinary humans who find themselves in extraordinary and terrifying situations. These characters are usually the ones through whom we experience the horror of the stories.
The settings in the stories can be a horror element too. Dark, isolated places are often described, like deep forests where the Great God Pan is associated with. These settings create a spooky atmosphere, making it seem that danger could lurk anywhere, and the characters are always on the verge of encountering something terrifying.
The way it builds suspense in the stories is also a big influence. 'Great God Pan and Other Horror Stories' often slowly reveals the horror, which makes the readers' anticipation and fear grow steadily. Many modern horror novels and short stories use this technique to keep the readers engaged.
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.
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 main themes could be the exploration of the female experience, especially in relation to the concept of 'dead girls' which might symbolize the silencing or objectification of women. Another theme could be mystery, as stories often involve some sort of enigma around these 'dead girls'.
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.
One of the main themes is escapism. Neverland in the Peter Pan stories is a place where children can escape from the strictures and boredom of the adult world. Another theme is friendship, as seen in the relationship between Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys. They support and have fun together in their adventures.
I'm not entirely sure, but I think there is a character who somehow gets involved with the presence or influence of the great god Pan.
One of the main themes is madness. The stories often explore how the characters' minds are affected by the presence or knowledge of the 'King in Yellow'. Another theme is the power of the unknown. The tales are filled with mysterious and otherworldly elements that create a sense of unease. Also, there's a theme of the blurring of reality and illusion. Characters struggle to distinguish between what is real and what is a product of their disturbed minds or the influence of the strange entities in the stories.