Concept of Horror
Theories of Fear
Stephen King on Fear
Phobias
Imagination
Curiosity
Not knowing
Sigmund Freud
superego
our conscience
sense of guilt and knowledge of right and wrong
id
emotions and feelings
buried below the surface of the conscious mind
ego
our personality
molded by environment, and upbringing
Aristotle
Catharsis
Release of strong emotion
Fascination
Dread
immaterial
The Psychology of Fear
Scared Witless
startle reflex
Amygdala
a whole series of motor neurons throughout the brainstem and spinal cord; activates when scared
constructed gender roles
Snuggle Theory
Males are supposed to be strong and unresponsive
Females are supposed to be upset and dependent
simulated risk
mastery testing
Reading/watching something suspenseful or scary
Horror in Film
Patterns
Isolation
Desolation
Lost cause
Redemption
Elements
Camera shots
Atmosphere
Sound
Anticipation
Lighting
suspense and shock
The Shining
the monster within
Psychological horror
time and space
Horror in Literature
The Tell-Tale Heart
Good vs. Evil