The Connection Between Creepypasta and Classic Horror Literature

The Influence of Gothic Horror

Classic horror literature, particularly the gothic horror genre, set many of the conventions that modern creepypasta stories follow. Gothic horror, known for its eerie atmosphere, haunted locations, and themes of madness, is a key influence on many internet horror stories.

Take, for example, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. This novel explores the duality of human nature and the horror of losing control, themes echoed in creepypasta like Jeff the Killer, where a seemingly normal individual transforms into a remorseless murderer. Similarly, Slender Man stories share characteristics with classic gothic tales, depicting an unknowable, ghostly figure that lurks in the shadows, much like the supernatural presences in works by Bram Stoker and M.R. James.

Lovecraftian Horror and the Fear of the Unknown

H.P. Lovecraft’s brand of cosmic horror has had a significant impact on creepypasta, particularly stories that explore the terror of the unknown. Lovecraft’s works, such as The Call of Cthulhu, emphasize the insignificance of humanity in the face of vast, incomprehensible forces. This theme is mirrored in modern creepypasta like The Rake and NoEnd House, where protagonists encounter entities or places that defy logic and explanation.

Creepypasta often incorporates Lovecraftian elements such as forbidden knowledge, cryptic tomes, and monstrous beings that exist just beyond human perception. The idea that reading a certain text or watching a particular video (as seen in BEN Drowned or Candle Cove) can expose one to supernatural horrors is reminiscent of Lovecraft’s stories, where ancient texts like the Necronomicon drive people to madness.

Poe’s Psychological Horror and Unreliable Narrators

Edgar Allan Poe, one of the pioneers of psychological horror, has also left an unmistakable mark on creepypasta storytelling. Many of Poe’s stories, such as The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat, feature unreliable narrators whose descent into madness creates an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. This narrative technique is frequently used in creepypasta, where the protagonist’s mental state is often questionable, leaving the reader uncertain about what is real.

Stories like The Russian Sleep Experiment and Abandoned by Disney employ this technique by presenting seemingly rational narrators who slowly unravel as they encounter terrifying and inexplicable phenomena. The result is a creeping sense of dread that mirrors Poe’s ability to unsettle readers through psychological horror rather than explicit violence.

The Cursed Object Trope in Horror Literature and Creepypasta

Classic horror literature has long explored the idea of cursed objects—books, paintings, or artifacts that bring doom upon those who possess them. This concept has found new life in creepypasta, particularly in stories like Smile Dog, where a disturbing image causes madness and misfortune, and Suicidemouse.avi, which revolves around a cursed video that drives viewers to insanity.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein also presents a form of cursed knowledge, as Victor Frankenstein’s attempt to play god results in his own destruction. This theme of forbidden experimentation leading to doom is evident in creepypasta like The Backrooms, where an ordinary mistake (no-clipping out of reality) leads to an inescapable nightmare.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Horror’s Evolution

While creepypasta may be a modern internet phenomenon, it is deeply rooted in the storytelling techniques and themes established by classic horror literature. Whether it’s the gothic settings of Poe, the cosmic terror of Lovecraft, or the moral dilemmas of Shelley, classic horror continues to shape the digital-age horror experience. In many ways, creepypasta serves as the next evolution of horror, blending traditional storytelling with the interactive and viral nature of the internet.

Just as classic horror literature has endured for centuries, creepypasta has the potential to become a lasting part of horror culture, ensuring that the fear of the unknown will continue to haunt audiences for generations to come.