They provide the foundation. For example, the use of creepy settings in classic horror town novels like the haunted castles in 'Dracula' is often replicated in modern horror. Modern authors take the concept of a spooky location from these classics and adapt it to their own stories.
Classic horror town novels also influence the way horror is built up. In 'Frankenstein', the slow build - up of the horror as the monster comes to life has been a model. Modern horror literature often uses a similar build - up of suspense and dread, learning from these classics.
Classic haunting novels have had a huge influence on modern horror. For example, 'Dracula' set the standard for vampire stories. Its use of Gothic elements like the spooky castle and the menacing undead villain has been emulated in countless modern works. Modern vampire novels and movies often take inspiration from Stoker's original concept. 'The Haunting of Hill House' also had a big impact. Its focus on psychological horror rather than just gore has inspired modern horror writers to explore the inner fears of their characters more deeply. The idea of a haunted location that preys on the minds of those who enter it is a common theme in modern horror that can be traced back to this classic.
Lovecraftian horror novels have had a huge influence on modern horror. Their use of cosmic horror, where the threat is vast and incomprehensible, has been adopted by many modern authors. For example, the idea of an unknowable and powerful entity like Cthulhu has inspired new works that play with the concept of human insignificance in the face of the cosmos.
Gothic horror classic novels had a huge impact on modern horror literature. Their use of mystery and the unknown was a major influence. In modern horror, we often see the same sense of not knowing what lurks in the shadows, which was first popularized in gothic novels. The complex characters in these classics, such as the tortured souls in 'Wuthering Heights', gave modern horror writers ideas on how to create deep, multi - faceted characters that add to the horror and drama of the story.
The story of Cain and Abel also has an impact. The idea of jealousy leading to murder within a family has been explored in modern horror literature, often with a more psychological twist. It gives a template for exploring the dark side of human relationships. Moreover, the use of religious symbols and the idea of a higher power being involved in the horror is a common motif borrowed from the Bible. The sense of an all - seeing, all - powerful entity that can bring about horror is something that modern horror writers like to play with.
1980s horror novels were very influential. They introduced new monsters and concepts. For instance, Clive Barker's 'Hellraiser' gave us the Cenobites, which inspired new types of horror creatures in modern literature. The psychological depth in 1980s horror, like in King's novels, made modern horror focus more on the internal struggles of characters along with the external horror elements. This made modern horror more complex and engaging.
The first horror novels provided the basic templates. For example, 'Frankenstein' introduced the idea of a created monster, and we still see this concept in modern horror, like in movies such as 'Splice'.
1970's horror novels had a huge influence on modern horror. For example, 'The Exorcist' introduced the idea of demonic possession in a very intense and realistic way. Modern horror often borrows this concept, exploring different aspects of it. 'Rosemary's Baby' with its satanic plot set a precedent for stories that deal with the occult. It showed how normal life could be infiltrated by the forces of evil. And Stephen King's 'Carrie', which focused on a character with special powers being an outcast, is often seen as a precursor to modern horror stories that deal with the psychological and physical abuse of outcasts.
1960s horror novels had a significant influence on modern horror literature. For example, the psychological horror elements in 'The Haunting of Hill House' have been widely adopted. Modern horror often focuses on the psychological state of the characters, creating fear from within, just like what Shirley Jackson did. Also, the idea of the ordinary turning into the terrifying, as seen in 'Rosemary's Baby', where a normal pregnancy becomes a nightmare, is a common theme today.
Gothic horror novels influenced modern horror literature by establishing many of its key elements. For example, the use of spooky settings like old castles and mansions. Also, the idea of the supernatural being intertwined with human stories.
80s horror novels had a huge influence. They introduced many iconic horror elements that are still used today. For example, Stephen King's works like 'The Shining' brought the idea of haunted places to the forefront. His detailed descriptions of the Overlook Hotel's malevolent presence influenced how modern writers create spooky settings. Also, the complex characters in these novels, such as the ones in 'It' who have to face their childhood traumas along with the external horror, became a model for modern horror to explore psychological aspects.