Suspense and Horror: Gothic Writing across Time…

According to Stephen King, what is the purpose of horror writing?

to open the door at the top of the stairs

to magnify the 10-foot bug or other horror

to reverse the fall from womb to tomb

to temporarily free the imagination

According to King’s purpose of horror writing, how did Irving achieve the purpose of a horror story?

by taking us inside a haunted room

by giving a portrait a fearful lifelikeness

by making the narrator childlike in his fear

by ending his story with a door at the top of the stairs

Which element of King’s analysis of horror cannot be found in “The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture”?

the dramatic detail

the locked door or forbidden access

the elements of death and imagination

the paradox of horror

With King’s analysis in mind, select the best critique of the abrupt ending of Irving’s story.

Irving’s ending avoids the paradox of horror by implying the ghost’s origins.

Irving’s ending fails to avoid the paradox of horror but leaves the reader relieved.

Irving’s ending fails to avoid the paradox of horror by not describing the ghost’s origins.

Irving’s ending avoids the paradox of horror but denies the reader a sense of relief.

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Assignment

Suspense and Horror: Gothic Writing across Time

Introduction to Dark Romanticism: American Gothic