Horror is a genre of fiction that is designed to evoke a sense of fear or dread in the reader. Horror stories often involve supernatural elements, such as ghosts, monsters, or serial killers, but can also be more psychological in nature, focusing on the fear of the unknown or the uncanny. Horror can be used to explore themes of death, mortality, and the fragility of human existence.
While science fiction and horror can both be dark and unsettling, there are some key differences between the two genres. Science fiction is typically more optimistic, and focuses on the potential for human progress and achievement. Horror, on the other hand, is often more pessimistic, and explores the dark side of human nature and the potential for things to go wrong.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between science fiction and horror:
| Feature | Science Fiction | Horror |
|---|---|---|
| Subject matter | Imagined future scientific or technological advances | Supernatural elements, fear, dread |
| Setting | Present, past, or future | Often present or past |
| Tone | Optimistic, hopeful | Pessimistic, dark |
| Themes | Progress, achievement, the potential for the future | Death, mortality, the fragility of human existence |