Victorian age horror stories are known for their moral undertones. They might explore the consequences of scientific overreach, as in Frankenstein. Gothic elements are prominent, such as high - ceilinged castles and secret passages. Also, they tend to have a slow - building tension that keeps the reader on edge.
Well, one characteristic is the use of gloomy settings like old mansions and fog - covered graveyards. These settings create an atmosphere of mystery and dread.
One of the famous Victorian horror stories is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It introduced the iconic vampire Count Dracula. Another is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson, which explores the duality of human nature in a terrifying way. Also, 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, though written a bit earlier but very popular during Victorian times, is about a scientist creating a monster.
One horror story was the extreme overcrowding. There were often too many children in a small space, leading to poor living conditions. Diseases spread easily, and many children died. Another aspect was the cruel treatment by the caretakers. They might beat children for minor mistakes, leaving physical and mental scars on those poor orphans.
The best Victorian horror stories often have a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere. They usually feature old, spooky settings like decaying mansions or fog - filled graveyards. Characters might include mad scientists or tormented souls. For example, in 'Dracula', the castle setting and the vampire's presence create a sense of dread.
Some well - known Victorian horror stories include 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It introduced the iconic vampire Count Dracula. Another is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson, which explored the duality of human nature. 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, although written a bit earlier, was also very popular during the Victorian era and dealt with themes of creation and the consequences of playing God.
Classic Victorian horror stories typically have a very strong atmosphere. They are set in a time when society was highly stratified. The horror often stems from the fear of the breakdown of social order or the discovery of dark secrets. For example, in 'Dracula', the vampire represents a threat to the Victorian moral and social fabric. There are also themes of madness and the power of the past over the present.
Edgar Allan Poe, though American, had a great influence on Victorian horror. And of course, Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. Mary Shelley was also important with her novel Frankenstein.
They often feature spooky settings like old mansions or fog - covered graveyards. The characters can be complex, with villains having devious motives. For example, in many stories, there are mad scientists or vengeful ghosts.
There are quite a few. Sheridan Le Fanu was a well - known author of Victorian horror. His works often had a very eerie atmosphere. Then, of course, there's Oscar Wilde, who also dabbled in horror with stories like 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. And we can't forget Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', a classic in Victorian horror.