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Monster, Madness and Mayhem: The History of Psychological Horror

Presenters

Catherine Marie Bruzdzinski

Abstract

While the dark and outlandish monsters have always thrilled and terrified the human race, horror has been mixed into other genres. People use stories and monsters to persuade others to follow their rules and laws. Though laws and rules often protect, it also limits the freedom that people have. From mythology, classic movies, and novels, many horror stories have been retold to terrify the human race and enhance our understanding of complex psychological horrors that seem unnatural. The genre of horror has allowed the human race to play the role of villain and hero to play and explore the limitations of human abilities. Horror makes us realize and live out the fantasies that break social, psychological and cultural laws without actually breaking them. Horror is a relative unexplored genre, but it allows for people to explain the unnatural or unexplainable.