Masters of the genre like M.R. James argued that ghost stories should avoid excessive gore. Instead, they should rely on a "pleasing terror" and a realistic setting to make the supernatural feel possible.
In classic literature, the setting is often a character itself. Whether it’s a fog-filled Victorian street or a modern, isolated hotel (like in Stephen King’s The Shining ), the environment must isolate the protagonist to heighten the dread. 3. Cultural Reflections Ghost Stories
Ghost stories often reflect the anxieties of their time. For example, Victorian ghost stories mirrored the spiritual curiosity of a world changing through industrial progress, while modern tales might focus on grief or the "haunting" nature of technology. 📚 Essential Reading for Inspiration Masters of the genre like M