| dc.description.abstract | Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) was a twentieth-century American horror novelist whose works are referred to as Lovecraftian Horror due to their distinctive atmosphere of horror. This genre emphasizes humanity′s fear when confronted with the unknown in the universe. In Taiwan, Lovecraftian Horror is primarily represented in tabletop role-playing games and video games. In contrast, the Cthulhu mythos which originated from Lovecraft′s writings, is more widely recognized in films and novels. Nevertheless, the specific concept of Lovecraftian Horror, a contemporary and niche genre, remains somewhat ambiguous.
This article aims to define the core concepts of Lovecraftian horror. To achieve this, we will begin by examining Lovecraft′s works and analyzing their external manifestations, including themes, writing style, objects of horror, and the genre itself. We will then delve into the internal meanings of his works. By integrating these two perspectives, we will clarify the elements that make Lovecraft′s works unique. Consequently, the core concepts of Lovecraftian horror can be defined through four key elements: the limits and boundaries of understanding, the Other, cosmicism, and authenticity. By analyzing these four elements, we can gain a deeper understanding of the content and uniqueness of Lovecraftian horror.
Through this study, it is hoped that it will serve as a reference for the creation of Lovecraftian horror, enhance the public′s understanding of the genre, and contribute to the advancement of academic research on H.P. Lovecraft. | en_US |