Fear in Different Genres by Michael J. Mizov. Fear is defined as a condition between anxiety and terror, either natural and well-grounded or unreasoned and blind.
Fear is an emotion that everyone dislikes, and it is as unavoidable as night or day. Through the use of novels, plays, films, short stories, and poems, it becomes clear that fear is an emotion that writers like to heighten not only in the protagonist but also in the reader. After reading great works by people such as George Orwell and Stephen King, it becomes clear that fear is the most uncontrollable emotion, quick to come and long to last. The horror movies of today may bring about a cheap scare, but to truly fear something is the same as dying a thousand times over.
All people have a worst fear, be it heights or ducks, that an author or filmmaker can use to their advantage. Their goal is to make the hairs on the back of one’s neck raise, as well as have them looking over their shoulder as the story progresses with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. The main purpose of this research is to prove that fear is an emotion that is prevalent throughout all genres, regardless of topic or plot. Through meticulous research of all genres, the fear presented in all shall be revealed. The first genre to be discussed will be film. After viewing such classics as Last of the Mohicans, The Red Badge of Courage, and Bartleby, it becomes clear that the film industry is not at a loss for instilling fear.
There are films that make one’s pulse quicken as the story becomes more involved, or some that have one lying awake in bed at night thinking of the frightening stuff they had just seen. The whole concept of fear in a film is not a prolonged fright, but a short-lasting one that may conclude after the end or, in some cases, a few days afterward. The first film that was viewed was The Last of the Mohicans. It was a story that encompassed all the emotions, from love to fear. The first instance of fear was short-lived but still present. It began as the opening credits finished, and three men were running through the forest at high speeds. The viewer begins to speculate as to what they are running after or, more importantly, from.
That instance of fear was a letdown and quickly forgotten, but the emotion was still present nonetheless. A short way into the film, the viewer is introduced to an Indian named Magua. Through his speech and body movements, it becomes noticeable that he is concealing an ulterior motive, but the viewer can only wonder what. Magua then acts as a scout, leading two women and a regiment of troops through the woods. It becomes clear that something is about to occur. As signs of impending action come, one’s pulse quickens, and one may even lean forward in anticipation. The rising fear is rewarded as a group of Indian braves attack them from the woods. As the battle happens, one begins to fear for the lives of the main characters that were only recently introduced. In all predictability, they survive, but for a moment, the viewer was fearing the worst.
As the group proceeds to the fort, which is under attack, fear is stirred to life. It’s not very strong, but like a splinter in one’s mind, it’s always there. Throughout the film, the fear for the lives of the main characters comes into play quite often as they are involved in many life-threatening situations. However, the real heart-stopping moment comes at the end of the film. Magua has captured the two female characters, and the Mohicans are racing up the mountain after him to save them. As they approach the peak, the Mohicans catch up, and a brutal fight ensues.
Magua fights one of the Mohicans one-on-one, and the viewer begins to think that good always beats evil. However, in this case, the Mohican plunges to his death off the side of the mountain. The viewer is in shock, but then remembers that his new love witnessed the whole thing. The horror is too much for her, as she is taken over by fear of having to live without him, and she too hurls herself off the mountain.
