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DENTON, October 30, 2023 – For many, the name H.P. Lovecraft evokes a sense of eerie unease and haunting tales. While he struggled with recognition in his time, Lovecraft’s legacy in the world of horror and weird fiction is undeniable. But what drives an academic to delve deep into this realm of the peculiar and unsettling?
Enter Michael Cerliano, a PhD candidate at Texas Woman’s University, whose fascination with Lovecraft began with a single book from a Dallas bookstore. Today, he stands at the intersection of rhetoric, esotericism, and culture, analyzing the profound influence of Lovecraft on contemporary literature and media.
Though Lovecraft’s works were initially dismissed as mere “horror of bad art,” his unique brand of horror has since captivated the likes of Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, John Carpenter, and many others. Cerliano highlights this juxtaposition: “Lovecraft’s stories invite us to rethink our place in the universe. His tales often reveal hidden knowledge that reshapes the protagonist’s worldview, much like how his readers are often drawn into a reevaluation of their own reality.”
Cerliano’s academic endeavors, enriched by philosophers like Eugene Thacker, explore the philosophical depths of horror. He believes that the genre, especially Lovecraft’s cosmic horror, pushes readers to confront the very limits of their understanding, thereby reshaping traditional worldviews.
Beyond just captivating stories, Lovecraft’s influence permeates popular culture. Films, TV series, and video games bear his mark, showcasing the wide-reaching grasp of his mythos. Cerliano notes the adaptability of Lovecraft’s works, saying, “His fiction is flexible, lending itself to various genres. This, combined with the thought-provoking questions he raises, ensures its enduring appeal.”
Moreover, Cerliano emphasizes Lovecraft’s impact on philosophical and religious spheres. Many new religious movements have drawn from Lovecraft’s fictional elements, showcasing the depth and versatility of his creations.
Cerliano’s journey at Texas Woman’s University has been one of support and encouragement. “I’ve been fortunate to find a committee that supports even the most unconventional of my research interests,” he said. And for those wondering if they might one day enroll in a course on weird literature taught by Cerliano? “I’d love to,” he shares, hinting at potential courses on the history of weird literature or a focus on women in the genre.
Yet, as Cerliano reflects on Lovecraft’s legacy, he poses a thought-provoking question: “While Lovecraft may not have enjoyed fortune in his lifetime, his impact is undeniably vast. Conversely, many writers enjoy fleeting fame but are soon forgotten. So, which is more valuable: transient riches or an enduring legacy?”
Read Michael Cerliano’s “Witchcraft and the Enlightenment in the Blood On Satan’s Claw.”
The Enigmatic World of H.P. Lovecraft
H.P. Lovecraft, born in 1890 in Providence, Rhode Island, remains one of the most influential figures in the realm of supernatural horror fiction. With an upbringing marked by personal tragedies, Lovecraft turned to the world of literature to express his unique perspective on the universe and humanity’s insignificant place within it.
His works, characterized by a profound sense of cosmic dread, introduced readers to a universe teeming with ancient alien deities, forbidden knowledge, and realms beyond human comprehension. Stories like “The Shadow over Innsmouth,” “At the Mountains of Madness,” and “The Dunwich Horror” are testimonies to Lovecraft’s ability to evoke terror by suggesting the unknown rather than explicitly revealing it.
Lovecraft’s tales often center around the dangers of human curiosity. His characters, in their quest for knowledge, stumble upon forbidden truths, only to be confronted by the sheer incomprehensibility of the cosmos. This theme, known as cosmic horror or Lovecraftian horror, emphasizes humanity’s vulnerability and ignorance in a vast, indifferent universe.
Though Lovecraft faced criticism and limited success during his lifetime, his posthumous recognition grew exponentially. The “Cthulhu Mythos,” named after one of his most famous creations, has become a foundational element in horror literature and has influenced countless writers, filmmakers, and artists.
While Lovecraft’s personal views, especially on race, have been the subject of much controversy, his contributions to the horror genre are undeniable. His stories challenge readers to ponder the mysteries of the universe, reminding them of the fragile nature of human comprehension in the face of the infinite.
