What are the common themes in the haunted house novel?

One common theme is the idea of the past haunting the present. In many Victorian haunted house novels, there are secrets from the past that are hidden within the walls of the house. For example, in 'The Turn of the Screw', the governess is haunted by the ghosts of the former servants, which are related to past events at the estate. Another theme is the exploration of the unknown. These novels often feature characters trying to understand the supernatural happenings in the house, like in 'Dracula' where the characters are trying to figure out the nature of the vampire and the strange events in his castle.

One common theme is the test of friendship. In these fanfics, the haunted house serves as a backdrop where the members' relationships are put to the test. They have to support each other to get through the scares.

One common theme is the past haunting the present. The historical events that occurred in the house, like a murder or a tragic accident, continue to have an impact on the current inhabitants or visitors. For example, in many stories, the ghosts are the manifestations of the unresolved past.

Well, mystery is a big theme. The haunted house always has secrets that the characters are trying to uncover. Take 'The Canterville Ghost', the family has to figure out why the ghost is there and what it wants. Fear is also a common theme. The characters experience intense fear in these haunted houses, like in 'The Shunned House' where the very presence of the house instills dread. And then there's the theme of decay, both physical, as in the crumbling mansions in stories like 'The Fall of the House of Usher', and moral decay that often seems to be associated with the haunted houses.

One common theme is the past haunting the present. For example, in many stories, something bad happened in the house long ago, like a murder or a tragic accident, and the spirits or the energy of that event still lingers. Another theme is isolation. The haunted house is often in a remote location, cut off from the outside world, which adds to the sense of fear and helplessness. Fear of the unknown is also a big theme. The characters don't know what is causing the strange things to happen in the house, and that scares them even more.

Isolation is a common theme. In many such stories, the characters are alone in the haunted house, cut off from the outside world. This makes them more vulnerable to the terrors within. For example, in 'The Shining', the family is snowed in at the haunted hotel, enhancing their sense of isolation and fear.

Another theme is the battle between good and evil. The haunted house might be a place where dark magic lingers, and the protagonists have to fight off the evil forces. They might use their knowledge of spells and potions to protect themselves and defeat the malevolent entities.

One common theme is fear. These novels often play on our deepest fears, like the fear of the unknown, the fear of death, and the fear of things that go bump in the night.

Ghosts are a common element. They often haunt the house, making strange noises or appearing as apparitions.