How do genre conventions of horror novels create a sense of fear?

IT horror novels often create fear by using the unknown aspects of technology. For example, in 'It', the entity Pennywise can manipulate technology in the town, like making the sewers seem even more menacing, which scares readers as it's something that could potentially happen in real life.

Zombie horror novels create a sense of fear mainly through the concept of the undead. The idea that the dead can come back to life and attack the living is inherently terrifying. Also, they often depict a breakdown of society, like in 'World War Z', which makes readers fear for their own safety in such a chaotic world.

Urban horror novels often use familiar settings like city streets, apartments, or office buildings. By making the setting something readers can recognize, it becomes easier to imagine the horror happening there. They also play with the idea of the unknown lurking within the normal, for example, a monster hiding in the sewers beneath a busy city.

Expedition horror novels often create fear by isolating the characters. When a group is on an expedition, they are far from help. For example, in 'The Ruins', the characters are stuck at the Mayan ruin with no easy way out. This isolation makes the reader feel that the characters are truly alone and vulnerable.

They often use atmosphere. In 'It', Stephen King describes the sewers and the town of Derry in a way that makes them seem menacing. The isolation, the strange noises, and the lurking presence all contribute to the fear. Also, the use of psychological elements like the characters' fears and traumas. In 'Rosemary's Baby', Rosemary's growing paranoia about her pregnancy adds to the overall sense of dread.

They often use the setting. For example, a small, dark room or a long, narrow corridor. The limited space makes the character's (and reader's) options seem very few, creating fear. Also, the lack of escape routes is key.

Survival horror novels create fear through atmosphere. They often set the story in isolated or creepy places like old mansions or desolate wastelands. For example, in 'The Shining', the Overlook Hotel is a place full of dark secrets. Also, the unknown is a big factor. When there are unseen threats like in 'I Am Legend' with the mutants, it scares readers.

Horror gothic novels create fear through various means. The atmosphere is crucial. They build an atmosphere of gloom and doom, with elements like mist, howling winds, and creaking doors. The use of foreshadowing also plays a big role. In 'Dracula', there are many hints about the vampire's arrival and his evil deeds before he actually shows up. The characters' psychological states are another factor. For instance, the madness that overcomes Dr. Jekyll as he transforms into Mr. Hyde is terrifying. And the way these novels often isolate their characters, whether in a remote castle or on a lonely island, makes the reader feel their vulnerability and thus heightens the sense of fear.