Death, Crime & Isolation in Gaslamp Horror

Gaslamp horror, named after the gas streetlights that illuminated the streets in 19th-century cities, captures the eerie ambience and the atmospheric settings of this historical period while blending elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural.

At its core, Gaslamp horror embodies the spirit of the Victorian and Edwardian fascination with the unknown, the macabre, and the unexplained. It transports readers to a time when scientific discovery collided with superstition, and traditional beliefs clashed with the forces of modernity. Against this backdrop, Gaslamp horror weaves tales of dark secrets, hidden mysteries, and terrors that lurk in the shadows of gaslit streets and remote countryside estates.

One of the defining features of Gaslamp horror is its emphasis on setting, particularly the evocative portrayal of Victorian and Edwardian landscapes and architecture. Crumbling manor houses and windswept moors are settings that serve as atmospheric backdrops for the unfolding mysteries and supernatural occurrences that populate Gaslamp horror narratives. The isolation of rural settings heightens the sense of dread and foreboding, trapping characters in a world where danger is around every corner.

Gaslamp horror also draws inspiration from the literary traditions of Gothic fiction, incorporating elements such as crumbling castles into its narratives. In addition to its Gothic influences, Gaslamp horror also reflects the cultural anxieties and preoccupations of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Themes such as the conflict between science and superstition, the erosion of traditional values, and the fear of social and moral decay.

The theme of crime and murder in isolated locations adds a layer of suspense, mystery, and atmosphere to the narrative. Isolated settings, such as remote estates, rural villages, or secluded manors, create a sense of claustrophobia and unease, trapping characters in a confined space with potential danger lurking in the shadows. These settings often amplify the tension and isolation experienced by both victims and perpetrators, heightening the psychological impact of the crimes committed.

Gaslamp horror authors use isolated locations to explore themes of paranoia, mistrust, and the fragility of social order. The remoteness of these settings exacerbates feelings of vulnerability, as characters must confront the horrors of murder, crime and the supernatural without the safety net of civilisation or immediate assistance from law enforcement. Additionally, the limited access to communication and resources in isolated areas can hinder investigations, allowing mysteries to deepen and suspects to evade capture.

The juxtaposition of idyllic, pastoral landscapes with the darkness of human depravity creates a chilling contrast that resonates with readers. Gaslamp horror stories set in isolated locations often delve into the sinister undercurrents of seemingly peaceful surroundings, revealing the hidden horrors that lurk beneath the surface of society.

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Isolated Places, Isolated People

Isolation, whether in remote countryside estates, secluded villages, or fog-shrouded city streets, plays a pivotal role in Gaslamp horror narratives, creating an environment where characters are cut off from the safety and familiarity of civilisation and thrust into the unknown.

In rural settings, such as windswept moors, dense forests, or desolate farmlands, isolation takes on a physical form, with characters finding themselves surrounded by vast expanses of wilderness that stretch as far as the eye can see. These remote landscapes evoke a sense of primal fear and vulnerability, as characters navigate treacherous terrain and confront the mysteries that lie hidden within the natural world.

The Willows (1907) by Algernon Blackwood is a classic tale that masterfully explores themes of isolation and the overwhelming power of nature. Set in the remote wilderness of the Danube River, the story follows two friends, the narrator and his companion, as they embark on a canoeing trip.

The setting of The Willows is a vast and untamed wilderness, far removed from civilisation. As the characters journey down the Danube, they become increasingly isolated from the outside world, surrounded by dense thickets of willow trees and the ever-present murmur of the river. The sense of isolation is palpable, heightening the characters' feelings of vulnerability and dread.

The natural world in The Willows is depicted as hostile and malevolent, with the landscape itself seeming to conspire against the characters. The willow trees, in particular, take on an ominous and sinister presence, their swaying branches and leaves evoking a sense of foreboding and unease. As the characters struggle to navigate the treacherous waters and fend off the encroaching wilderness, they are constantly reminded of their own insignificance in the face of nature's power.

As the story progresses, the isolation of the characters is further heightened by their encounters with inexplicable and otherworldly phenomena. Strange and unsettling events begin to occur, including bizarre distortions of space and time and encounters with mysterious entities that seem to defy comprehension. The characters find themselves increasingly at the mercy of forces beyond their understanding, trapped in a remote and unforgiving wilderness that holds dark secrets of its own.

The Willows by Algernon Blackwood is a haunting exploration of isolation and the primal forces of nature. Through its evocative depiction of a remote and hostile wilderness, the story taps into deep-seated fears of the unknown and the uncanny, offering a chilling reminder of humanity's inherent vulnerability in the face of the natural world's power.

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Isolated villages and hamlets, with their claustrophobic atmosphere and insular communities, serve as breeding grounds for paranoia, suspicion, and dark secrets. Cut off from the outside world by geography or tradition, these remote settlements become hotbeds of intrigue and danger, where outsiders are viewed with suspicion and the line between friend and foe blurs.

The ‘haunted victim’ is a character haunted by past traumas or supernatural curses, often serving as a catalyst for the events of the story. Whether cursed by a vengeful spirit or tormented by guilt from a past misdeed, the Haunted Victim must confront their inner demons and overcome their personal struggles in order to find redemption or peace.

Sleepy Hollow (1820) by Washington Irving is a classic tale that epitomises the theme of death and the supernatural in an isolated place within Gaslamp horror literature. Set in the secluded and eerie village of Sleepy Hollow, the story follows Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher with a penchant for superstition, as he becomes entangled in a web of mystery and fear.

The isolated nature of Sleepy Hollow contributes significantly to the atmosphere of the story. Surrounded by dense forests and enveloped in an aura of otherworldly quietness, Sleepy Hollow feels cut off from the outside world, enhancing the sense of isolation experienced by its inhabitants.

The murder in Sleepy Hollow occurs in the dark of night, adding to the chilling atmosphere of the tale. The headless horseman, a spectral figure said to haunt the area, is believed to be responsible, although the truth remains shrouded in mystery.

Through its depiction of murder and isolation, Sleepy Hollow explores themes of paranoia, folklore, and the fear of the unknown. The village becomes a character in itself, its isolation amplifying the sense of dread and uncertainty that permeates the narrative.

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Similarly, The Woman In Black (1983) by Susan Hill is a chilling Gothic ghost story that effectively utilises the theme of isolation and the eerie atmosphere of a secluded village to create an atmosphere of dread and unease.

The novel is set in the remote and desolate village of Crythin Gifford, located on the fog-shrouded coast of northern England. The village is characterised by its isolation from the outside world, surrounded by treacherous marshes and cut off from neighbouring communities. This sense of isolation serves to heighten the atmosphere of foreboding and isolation, amplifying the feeling of vulnerability experienced by the protagonist, Arthur Kipps.

Crythin Gifford is depicted as a small and insular community, where superstition and fear of the unknown run rampant. The villagers are distrustful of outsiders and reluctant to discuss the dark secrets that haunt their village. This insularity serves to isolate Arthur further as he grapples with the supernatural forces that plague him, leaving him feeling alienated and alone in his struggle against the malevolent presence of the Woman in Black.

Susan Hill's evocative descriptions of the village and its surroundings contribute to the ever-present sense of isolation and foreboding. The mist-shrouded marshes, crumbling manor house, and eerie churchyard create a haunting backdrop for the unfolding supernatural mystery, emphasising the isolation of the village and the sinister secrets that lie hidden within its walls.

The ‘investigator’ character is a standard archetype in Gaslamp horror, often portrayed as a rational and sceptical individual who seeks to unravel the mysteries and supernatural occurrences plaguing the narrative. Whether it's a detective, a scholar, or a curious amateur, the investigator employs logic and reason to uncover the truth behind the sinister events unfolding around them.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery that masterfully incorporates themes of isolation, death, and the supernatural while utilising the investigator character archetype to drive the narrative forward.

The novel is set in the desolate and isolated moors of Devonshire, England, where the ancient Baskerville family resides in their ancestral home, Baskerville Hall. The moors are depicted as a vast and eerie landscape, shrouded in fog and mystery, with the isolated mansion serving as a focal point for the unfolding events. The sense of isolation is further emphasised by the Baskerville family's history of tragedy and death, which has left them feeling isolated and vulnerable to the supernatural forces that are said to haunt the moors.

Central to the plot of The Hound of the Baskervilles is the legend of the demonic hound that is said to curse the Baskerville family, leading to their untimely deaths. The novel explores the theme of death and the supernatural through the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the subsequent attempts on the life of his heir, Sir Henry Baskerville. As Sherlock Holmes investigates the case, he encounters reports of a spectral hound roaming the moors, which adds an eerie and otherworldly dimension to the story.

Sherlock Holmes embodies the investigator archetype, using his keen powers of observation, deductive reasoning, and logical analysis to unravel the mystery surrounding the Baskerville family. Holmes is depicted as a rational and analytical detective who relies on empirical evidence and scientific methods to solve crimes, contrasting with the superstitious beliefs and irrational fears of the other characters. His presence as the investigator grounds the narrative in rationality and scepticism, providing a counterbalance to the supernatural elements of the story.

In Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897), the character of Abraham Van Helsing is the investigator archetype. Van Helsing is a Dutch doctor with a broad range of knowledge, particularly in obscure medical and scientific fields. When confronted with the mysterious illness afflicting Lucy Westenra and the inexplicable events surrounding her, Van Helsing is called upon to investigate.

He approaches the situation with a scientific and analytical mindset. His deductive reasoning and logical approach to problem-solving mirror those of a detective.

His expertise extends beyond traditional medicine. He is well-versed in obscure subjects such as folklore, mythology, and the occult, allowing him to entertain unconventional theories about the nature of Lucy's illness. His eclectic knowledge base enables him to consider supernatural explanations alongside more rational ones.

Van Helsing takes charge of the investigation into Lucy's condition and later, the pursuit of Count Dracula himself. He organises the group of protagonists, including Jonathan Harker, Mina, and Dr. Seward, into a cohesive team to combat the vampire threat.

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This novel also deploys the mysterious stranger character archetype - an enigmatic figure who appears seemingly out of nowhere, with a hidden agenda. Often cloaked in darkness and secrecy, the Mysterious Stranger may offer assistance or guidance to the protagonist, but their true intentions remain ambiguous.

Count Dracula embodies the archetype of the mysterious stranger when Jonathan Harker arrives at his castle in Transylvania. Dracula's portrayal as a mysterious and enigmatic figure contributes to the atmosphere of suspense and intrigue surrounding his character. From the moment Jonathan Harker encounters Count Dracula, he is struck by the man's unsettling aura.

Dracula's true motives and intentions remain shrouded in mystery throughout Harker's initial interactions with him. Despite extending hospitality to Harker as his guest, Dracula exhibits subtle signs of malevolence and secrecy, leaving Harker uncertain about the true nature of his host.

Dracula's behaviour and speech are often cryptic and ambiguous, leaving Harker puzzled and unsettled. He speaks in riddles and evades direct questions, heightening the sense of mystery and foreboding surrounding his character. Dracula's elusiveness adds to the sense of unease and apprehension that permeates the atmosphere of his castle.

Despite his outward charm, Dracula exudes an aura of danger and menace that Harker finds increasingly difficult to ignore. There are subtle hints of violence and predatory instinct beneath Dracula's veneer of civility, hinting at the dark depths of his character.

The ‘gothic heroine’ is a central figure in many Gaslamp horror stories, typically portrayed as a young woman of virtue and innocence who finds herself thrust into a world of darkness and danger. The Gothic Heroine must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront malevolent forces in her quest for freedom and survival.

Mina Harker embodies the archetype of the gothic heroine, with her intelligence, resilience, and moral purity, despite facing the horrors of the supernatural.

Mina is proficient in shorthand and typewriting, skills that prove invaluable in her efforts to aid in the pursuit of Count Dracula. Mina's intelligence allows her to contribute actively to the investigation and play a crucial role in unravelling the mystery of Dracula's activities.

Despite facing numerous challenges and dangers throughout the novel, Mina remains remarkably resilient. This is particularly evident in her determination to assist her husband and friends in their quest to defeat Dracula, even at great personal risk.

Mina is portrayed as morally upright and virtuous, embodying traditional Victorian ideals of femininity and womanhood. She is depicted as loving, loyal, and selfless, placing the well-being of others above her own interests. Mina's unwavering moral compass serves as a guiding light for the other characters in the novel, inspiring them to persevere in the face of evil.

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In Real Life

The theme of isolation and death in remote locations is one that is still explored by authors to this day.

A Shadow on the Lens (2019) by Sam Hurcom is a compelling historical mystery novel that effectively explores the theme of isolation. The isolation of both the village setting and its inhabitants plays a crucial role in the narrative, creating an atmosphere of claustrophobia and unease. The protagonist, Thomas Bexley, is a forensic photographer tasked with investigating a series of gruesome murders that have occurred within the village. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the village holds dark secrets and that its isolation has allowed these secrets to fester and grow.

Hurcom expertly builds tension throughout the novel, using the isolation of the village to amplify the sense of dread and foreboding that permeates the story. The remote setting allows for moments of eeriness and isolation, where the characters have to confront their fears and confront the darkness that lurks within the village.

There is no doubt that this theme will continue to feature in horror literature. And authors can draw from real-world examples of crime, death and the supernatural occurring at isolated locations that spread fear across their respective communities, and perhaps inspired classic and contemporary authors alike.

The Mount Stewart Farm Murder Mystery, also known as the "Locked Room" mystery, is a fascinating case that underscores the theme of isolation. It occurred in 1898 on the Mount Stewart estate, a remote rural property located in County Down, Northern Ireland.

The estate's isolation played a significant role in the mystery because it limited the number of potential suspects and witnesses. The victim, Jane Stanford, was discovered dead in her bedroom, which was locked from the inside. This locked room scenario added an extra layer of intrigue to the case, as it seemed impossible for anyone to have entered or exited the room without being noticed.

Despite the efforts of investigators, including renowned detective William Melville, the case remained unsolved. The isolated nature of the estate made it challenging to gather evidence and interview witnesses, as there were few people nearby who might have seen or heard anything relevant to the crime.

The Mount Stewart Farm Murder Mystery is a compelling example of how isolation can complicate criminal investigations. In remote rural areas like the Mount Stewart estate, access to resources and expertise may be limited, making it difficult for law enforcement to solve complex cases. Additionally, the lack of nearby witnesses or neighbours can create a sense of isolation for both the victim and potential suspects, further shrouding the truth in mystery.

The Hinterkaifeck murders, which occurred in 1922 in Germany, are a chilling example of isolation contributing to a horrific crime. The Hinterkaifeck farmstead was situated in a remote rural area, surrounded by fields and woods, making it difficult for neighbours to observe what was happening there. This isolation played a significant role in the murders, as the perpetrator(s) were able to approach the farm undetected.

The family living on the farm, consisting of six members, as well as their maid, were brutally murdered with a mattock, a type of pickaxe. Despite the remote location, there were signs that someone had been living in the house after the murders, such as the continued feeding of livestock and consumption of food. However, no suspect was ever identified, and the case remains unsolved.

The Hinterkaifeck murders highlight how isolation can both enable and complicate investigations into violent crimes. The remoteness of the farm made it easier for the perpetrator(s) to commit the murders without immediate detection. Additionally, the lack of nearby witnesses or neighbours meant that the crime could go unnoticed for an extended period, delaying the discovery of the victims and hindering the investigation.

The murders are a haunting reminder of the dangers of isolation, particularly in rural settings, where help may be far away, and crimes can occur without immediate intervention or detection.