Week 1 Task 5


Religion in horror usually uses themes of life and death, spirituality, man playing god/blasphemy, man fighting inner as well as outer demons, or good versus evil. Religious artifacts may be Christian, occult, satanic, voodoo.  

 Death is common in horror films and some things represent this such as objects, such as coffins and gravestones. In horror, the difference between life and death can be confusing, especially with supernatural elements involved like ghosts. In pyshco, taxidermy birds represent the dead mother. 

 Light usually represents feelings of hope, salvation, good, escape or in some cases death. Light in horror usually adds a sense of comfort due to it lighting up the dark 

 Colors usually symbolize different themes in horror. Red can mean violence, blood or lust. 

 Weapns can be as a phallic object to convey masculine power for example. The weapon the villain uses can reflect the character. Chainsaw in Texas chainsaw massacre is phallic symbol for raging power

 Doors/windows can have symbolic meanings, they can be a form of freedom or entrapment. doors can be used for suspense 

 tunnels and corridors represent passage to death 

 Keys and locks symbolize secrets, entrapment, and hidden objects or places. 

 dolls represent innocence and happiness so when theyre used in horror, it creates an uncanny fear. 

 masks are used to hide physical and metaphorical appearances. They give the user new identity. 

 mirrors or reflections are used to show multiple sides of a character. when broken its meant to show shattered lives/personalities 

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