THE FUNCTION OF GOTHIC SYMBOLS IN CONSTRUCTING PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR

Аннотация

Psychological horror relies less on explicit violence and more on atmosphere, emotion, and the internal states of characters. One of the most effective tools for achieving this effect is Gothic symbolism, which allows writers to externalize fear, anxiety, guilt, and subconscious conflict through concrete images and recurring motifs. This thesis explores the function of Gothic symbols in constructing psychological horror, focusing on how symbolic elements operate within narrative structures to evoke emotional unease and their transformation in modern horror fiction, the study demonstrates that symbols such as darkness, decay, confinement, and supernatural ambiguity play a central role in shaping psychological horror. The analysis emphasizes the relationship between symbolic imagery, reader perception, and the psychological dimensions of fear