How do themes of retribution and karma in horror narratives reflect societal values and psychological fears?

Themes of retribution and karma in horror reflect societal values about justice and punishment, as well as deep-seated psychological fears about wrongdoing and its consequences. Stories that involve characters facing supernatural retribution for their misdeeds, such as in “Carrie” or “The Ring,” tap into the fear of not escaping the consequences of one’s actions. These themes resonate because they align with the moral expectations that actions have consequences and that there is a cosmic or moral balance. They also provide a form of psychological catharsis, as audiences experience the resolution of guilt and the balance of justice within the safe confines of the narrative.