existential horror stories

One classic is 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft. It presents an indescribable and ancient horror that exists beyond human comprehension. The very existence of Cthulhu, a monstrous being from another dimension, challenges the sanity of those who discover it. Another is Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis', where Gregor Samsa wakes up transformed into a bug. His new state makes him question his identity and his place in the world, creating an existential dread as he is isolated and dehumanized. And then there's 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The protagonist's slow descent into madness as she is confined and made to confront the strange patterns on the wallpaper is a form of existential horror, as she loses her sense of self and reality.

Existential horror stories focus more on the internal struggle of the characters regarding their existence, identity, and purpose. In traditional horror, it's often about external threats like vampires or ghosts. For example, in an existential horror story like 'The Metamorphosis', Gregor Samsa's transformation into a bug makes him question his human identity. While in a traditional horror, say a slasher movie, the focus is on the killer chasing and trying to harm the victims. Existential horror is more about the psychological and philosophical dread that comes from within.

One common theme is the search for meaning. In these stories, characters often struggle to find purpose in a chaotic or indifferent world. For example, in Kafka's works, the protagonists are constantly facing situations that seem to defy logic and normalcy, making them question their place in the universe. Another theme is isolation. Characters may be physically or emotionally cut off from others, like in 'The Outsider' by Lovecraft. This isolation intensifies the horror as they face their existential fears alone.

One great existential horror short story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It delves into a woman's descent into madness in a confined space, exploring themes of identity and oppression. Another is 'The Masque of the Red Death' by Edgar Allan Poe. It uses the setting of a party during a plague to show the inescapability of death and the futility of trying to avoid it. Also, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Poe is an example. The narrator's obsession and guilt over the old man's eye lead to a terrifying psychological exploration.

Existential horror novels at their best often deal with mortality. In 'Pet Sematary', the idea of death being perverted is a key element. They also create a sense of being lost. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the narrator is lost in her own mind as she is trapped in the room. Moreover, they can have a sense of the uncanny. In 'The Exorcist', the possession is an uncanny event that challenges our understanding of the world and our place in it, creating a strong sense of existential horror.

One classic is 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft. It's filled with a sense of dread and the insignificance of humanity in the face of cosmic horrors. Another is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. Its unique format and disturbing storylines create an intense existential horror. Also, 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson, which delves into themes of isolation and the unknown, making the reader question the nature of reality.

Existential horror novels focus more on the deeper philosophical questions of existence. For example, they might explore themes like the meaninglessness of life or the insignificance of humanity. In contrast, other horror novels might just be about a monster or a serial killer. Existential horror novels make you question your place in the universe.

One of the best existential horror novels is 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H.P. Lovecraft. It creates a sense of cosmic horror where the protagonist discovers the existence of a terrifying, ancient being. Another great one is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. Its unique formatting and the story of a house that defies the laws of physics add to the existential dread. 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson also fits. The isolation and the strange family dynamics create an atmosphere of unease and existential horror.

One characteristic is the exploration of the human condition. They often deal with themes like alienation, as seen in 'The Metamorphosis'. Characters feel detached from society or themselves. Another is the presence of moral and ethical dilemmas, such as in 'The Guest'. This forces the reader to think about what is right or wrong in complex situations. Also, they tend to have an atmosphere of absurdity, where normal rules of life seem to be broken or questioned, like in many works of Kafka.

Sure it is. The novel delves deep into existential questions like isolation, the absurdity of life, and the struggle for self-discovery, which are typical of existential works.