Date of Award
2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in English Composition
Department
English
First Advisor
Hirshberg, Glen
Second Advisor
Carlson, David
Third Advisor
Delgado, Juan
Abstract
This study examines the ways in which short American horror fiction has always revolved around fundamental fears of mortality, and how these fears have shifted across the span of three specific timeframes. Using a historical lens, this study also explores what the specific nature of mortality fears, as reflected in particular instances of short horror fiction, historically reveal about contemporaneous cultural attitudes toward end of life issues, loss, doubt, and grief. This study also traces how the perceptions of mortality have dynamically changed in American society from 1950s to present times in accordance with powerful historical events, varying cultural contexts, and compelling social issues.
Recommended Citation
Syed, Mona Moin, "Sources of fear in American society: Representations in short horror fiction, 1950s-present" (2010). Theses Digitization Project. 4458.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/4458
