Barker creates horror by gradually revealing the mystery. At first, the reader may not understand what is really going on with the midnight train. As more details are uncovered, the horror builds. Also, the character of the train's operator is quite menacing. His appearance and actions are designed to make the reader feel uneasy and scared.
Clive Barker in 'The Midnight Meat Train' creates horror through the use of shock value. The sudden and unexpected violence, like the discovery of the bodies and the brutal killings, startles the reader. He also plays with the reader's expectations. The normalcy of a train ride is subverted into a nightmare scenario, and the contrast between the ordinary and the extremely abnormal is what makes it truly horrifying. The descriptions of the gore and the inhumane acts that take place on the train are so vivid that it's hard not to be horrified.
One of the main themes is urban decay. The setting of the story, with its seedy underground and desolate cityscape, reflects a world that has lost its way. Another theme is the hidden darkness within society. The 'Midnight Meat Train' itself is a symbol of this, representing a grotesque and violent underbelly that most people are unaware of.
He uses dark and gloomy settings. For instance, a desolate alley or a decaying old building. These settings immediately set a mood of unease.
His writing style is often very descriptive. For example, in many of the stories, he uses detailed language to paint a vivid picture of the settings, whether it's a creepy old house or a desolate wasteland.
He uses disturbing imagery. For example, he might describe a spooky setting in great detail, like a dark and damp cellar filled with strange objects. This immediately sets a horror - filled mood.
The use of music and sound effects is crucial. The creaking of doors, the howling of wind in the old houses, and the eerie music that plays during tense scenes all heighten the sense of horror. It makes the viewers feel like they are in the middle of the horror story themselves. Also, the plot twists and the unexpected turns in the storylines keep the audience on edge, not knowing what will come next.
It uses a lot of disturbing visuals. Like showing grotesque creatures or extremely bloody scenes. This directly shocks the viewers and makes them feel uneasy.
Ecological horror novels create horror in multiple ways. They might use the concept of overgrowth or mutation of natural elements. In novels where insects or plants become overly aggressive or abnormal, it taps into our primal fear of being overpowered by nature. Also, the isolation within an ecological setting can be a factor. For instance, in a story set in a remote forest or island, the characters are cut off from help. And the slow realization that the environment is not what it seems, like in a story where a seemingly normal lake has a deadly secret, gradually builds the horror.
The use of music and sound effects is crucial. The eerie music that plays at just the right moments, like when something is about to jump out, really amps up the horror. And the strange noises in the background, like creaking floors or howling winds, also contribute a lot.
His detailed and vivid descriptions in his novels have inspired many other horror writers. Writers have learned from him how to create immersive and disturbing settings. His exploration of the human psyche in the face of horror in his novels has also become a model for others. He shows that horror can be more than just fear, but also a way to explore deeper aspects of the human condition.
Through the use of creepy sound effects.