Well, they often use symbols to build horror. Like a broken mirror which might symbolize bad luck or something evil approaching. The color palette is important too. Dark and muted colors like black, grey, and deep purple can enhance the feeling of dread. And since there are no words, the pacing is shown through the sequence of images. A quick succession of disturbing images can make the horror more intense.
They can play with the viewer's or reader's imagination a great deal. Without words to guide, people are left to interpret the events in their own way. For instance, a door slightly ajar in a creepy old house can make one wonder what's behind it. The lack of explanation makes the horror more mysterious. And the use of shadows is very effective. Strange - shaped shadows can imply the presence of something unknown and menacing.
One characteristic is that they rely on visuals alone to create a sense of horror. For example, in a series of pictures, a dark figure might gradually appear in the background of each frame, getting closer and closer to the main character without any words to warn. Another aspect is the use of facial expressions and body language. A character's wide - eyed, terrified look can convey horror effectively. Also, the setting in wordless horror stories is crucial. A desolate, fog - covered landscape can immediately set a spooky mood.
They rely on visuals alone to tell the story. Without words, the art has to be highly expressive, using facial expressions, body language, and the composition of panels to convey plot, emotions, and character development. For example, in 'The Arrival' by Shaun Tan, the detailed illustrations show a man's journey to a new land, and we can understand his confusion, hope, and fear just from the pictures.
By using strong visual contrasts. For example, a bright, innocent - looking scene suddenly turning into a dark and menacing one. This can shock the audience and create horror.
Wordless stories at the Bologna Children's Book Fair often have strong visual storytelling. The illustrations are highly detailed and can convey complex emotions and plots without the use of words. They allow for a more universal understanding as people from different language backgrounds can interpret them in their own ways.
One example of a free wordless story is the story told through the street art murals in some cities. These large - scale paintings can often be seen as a form of wordless story, depicting the history, culture, or social issues of the area. Another example is the animated short films that are wordless. They use only visuals and music to tell a story, like the works of some independent animators. Some libraries also have collections of wordless picture books that are freely available for borrowing and reading.
Wordless books, the original graphic novels often rely on powerful visual storytelling. The lack of words allows the illustrations to fully convey the plot, emotions, and ideas. They can be highly interpretive, as readers bring their own understanding to the sequence of images. For example, 'The Arrival' by Shaun Tan is a great wordless graphic novel that tells a poignant immigrant story through its detailed and evocative illustrations.
One characteristic is the use of suspense. It keeps readers or viewers on the edge of their seats, not knowing what will happen next. For example, in a haunted house story, the creaking noises and unexplained shadows build suspense.
One characteristic is that they can have a more psychological element. Instead of just focusing on physical monsters, they explore the monsters within the human mind. The settings in mature horror stories are often more detailed and realistic, like an old, decaying house with a history that ties into the horror. They might also use symbolism more effectively, such as a recurring nightmare representing a character's repressed fears.
Contemporary horror stories often feature modern settings like big cities or suburban areas. They might involve new fears related to technology, such as haunted social media or evil artificial intelligence. Also, they usually have complex characters with psychological issues that add depth to the horror.
Many Polish horror stories draw on local folklore and superstitions. For example, tales of vengeful spirits or cursed objects are quite common. These elements add an extra layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the horror.
One of the well - known best wordless novels is 'The Arrival' by Shaun Tan. It tells a powerful story of immigration through its detailed illustrations. Another is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman which, although it contains some text, is often considered in the realm of wordless novels for its highly visual narrative about the Holocaust. And 'City of Glass' by Paul Auster also has a wordless graphic novel adaptation that is quite remarkable for its unique storytelling approach.