Thejaswini...Knowledge Contributor
How does the portrayal of monsters and villains contribute to the psychological impact of horror?
How does the portrayal of monsters and villains contribute to the psychological impact of horror?
The portrayal of monsters and villains is central to the psychological impact of horror. Monsters often embody our deepest fears and societal anxieties, such as the xenophobic dread represented by vampires in “Dracula” or the fear of losing control depicted by werewolves. Villains, on the other hand, often represent the dark side of human nature or psychological trauma, as seen with characters like Norman Bates in “Psycho.” By tapping into these primal fears and showcasing them in a way that feels both familiar and foreign, horror media creates a powerful emotional reaction, intensifying the sense of dread and unease.