A light in the darkness : horror as catharsis

Abstract

Horror – despite the disapproval pervading its commonplace use, there is a clear asymmetry between humanity’s general aversion to, and negative characterization of, horror in its “natural” sense, and our attraction to horror aesthetically represented.<br> In recent years, “horror” has evolved into a universally acknowledged cross-art, cross-media genre, distinguished by its concentrating predominantly on the emotion of fear, generally at the expense of other elements, feelings, or themes. Explaining our paradoxical fascination with horror as an aesthetic phenomenon is the primary purpose of this thesis.<br> Alexander “Al” Scott Baker contends that frightening representations please, both by transmuting a generally unpleasant sensation into something positive, and, perhaps more significantly, by encouraging reflection on matters of life and death. Existential reflection frequently quells apprehensions latent within us that, left unchecked, can cause significant psychological pain. This suggests that horror constitutes a particularly valuable, profound mode of entertainment.