We are drawn to horror for a lot of reasons, often finding excitement, adrenaline, and a unique form of entertainment in the the horror genre. There are many facets to the horror genre and no fan is the same as another. There are many reasons why we are drawn to horror and it is a very individual preference.
For some of us it is the thrill of the unknown and the suspenseful anticipation of what lies behind every corner or within the shadows can be incredibly captivating. Horror also offers a way to experience fear in a controlled environment, where the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, and our deepest fears are confronted.
Stephen King in Danse Macabre (1981) wrote: “Horror, terror, fear, panic: these are the emotions which drive wedges between us, split us off from the crowd, and make us alone. It is paradoxical that feelings and emotions we associate with the “mob instinct” should do this, but crowds are lonely places to be, we’re told, a fellowship with no love in it. The melodies of the horror tale are simple and repetitive, and they are melodies of disestablishment and disintegration . . . but another paradox is that the ritual outletting of these emotions seems to bring things back to a more stable and constructive state again.”
As Stephen King explored horror can provide a cathartic release, allowing us to explore and confront our own anxieties and deepest fears in a safe and controlled manner. As well, horror can tap into our morbid curiosity, appealing to our fascination with the darker aspects of human nature and the supernatural.
Nietzsche beleived that we can survice with suffering but we cannot survice with meanglingless suffering. Horror can give our emotions meaning and an understanding of how we fit in the world. Nietzsche put it, “If you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” — Friedrich Nietzsche. Does horror then pull things up into our consciousness, the thoughts and feelings we want to keep hidden and quiet. Horror makes a safe place to explore these feelings and when we have finished watching or reading, we are back in the safety of normal life.
The attraction to horror is mostly in its ability to elicit strong emotional responses, challenge our senses, and provide a thrilling escape from the ordinary.
What scares you the most?
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