Fear of the unknown

Definition

Fear of the unknown refers to the anxiety and apprehension that arise when faced with uncertainty or unfamiliar situations. This concept often manifests in literature, particularly in relation to supernatural elements and uncanny experiences, where characters confront what they cannot fully understand or predict, heightening their emotional responses and the overall tension in the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The fear of the unknown is a powerful theme in Gothic literature, where characters often encounter mysterious forces that challenge their understanding of reality.
2. This fear can lead to irrational behavior, as individuals react strongly to the uncertainty presented by supernatural occurrences.
3. In many stories, the unknown serves as a catalyst for character development, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and insecurities.
4. The uncanny often amplifies the fear of the unknown by presenting familiar objects or scenarios in a distorted or unsettling manner.
5. Literary works frequently explore the psychological effects of the fear of the unknown, illustrating how it impacts decision-making and relationships.

Review Questions

• How does the fear of the unknown contribute to character development in supernatural narratives?
  • In supernatural narratives, the fear of the unknown acts as a significant force that drives character development. Characters are often faced with situations that challenge their beliefs and understanding of reality, prompting them to confront their fears. As they navigate these uncertain experiences, they may either grow stronger and more resilient or succumb to their anxieties, leading to profound transformations that reveal deeper aspects of their personalities.
• Discuss how the elements of the uncanny enhance the fear of the unknown in literature.
  • The uncanny serves to heighten the fear of the unknown by introducing familiar yet distorted elements that create a sense of disorientation. When characters encounter situations or objects that evoke a sense of familiarity but also feel strange or threatening, it amplifies their anxiety. This duality taps into deep psychological fears, making readers question what is real and what is not, thus enhancing the overall tension and unease within the narrative.
• Evaluate how authors use the fear of the unknown to reflect societal anxieties during the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Authors in the 18th and 19th centuries utilized the fear of the unknown as a mirror for societal anxieties stemming from rapid changes such as industrialization, scientific advancements, and shifting social norms. By incorporating supernatural elements and uncanny experiences into their works, they illustrated the discomfort many felt toward an unpredictable future. This thematic exploration not only deepened character conflicts but also resonated with readers who grappled with their own uncertainties about an evolving world, thereby using literature as a means to process collective fears.

Related terms

Supernatural: Elements that go beyond the laws of nature, often involving ghosts, spirits, or otherworldly phenomena that evoke fear and intrigue.

Uncanny: A psychological experience where something familiar becomes strange or unsettling, often leading to feelings of disquiet and fear.

Dread: An intense feeling of fear or apprehension about something that may happen in the future, often linked to unknown outcomes.