TED-Ed: Silvia Moreno-García: Titan of terror: the dark imagination of H.P. Lovecraft

Howard Phillips Lovecraft, born in 1890, revolutionized horror by integrating scientific elements into his stories, creating a new form of terror that resonated with the scientific advancements of his time. His works often featured cosmic entities, known as the Great Old Ones, that exist beyond human comprehension, inducing madness in those who encounter them. Despite his personal prejudices, Lovecraft's literary universe, the Cthulhu Mythos, has inspired countless authors and remains influential in modern horror. Lovecraft's legacy endures, highlighting humanity's insignificance in the face of cosmic forces.

What inspired Lovecraft to create a new kind of horror?

• The folklore of New England

• The scientific progress of his era

• The real horrors of World War I

• The Gothic stories of Edgar Allan Poe

In Lovecraft's stories, what often drives characters to madness?

• Graphic violence and shocks

• Indirect glimpses of cosmic forces

• The loss of loved ones

• Direct encounters with monsters

What is the Cthulhu Mythos?

• A collection of Lovecraft's personal letters

• A biography of Lovecraft's life

• A shared universe of stories inspired by Lovecraft

• A series of poems written by Lovecraft

How did Lovecraft's personal views affect his work?

• They included racist stereotypes

• They led to financial success

• They were ignored by his contemporaries

• They made his stories more popular

Despite his lack of financial success, what has Lovecraft's work inspired?

• A decline in horror literature

• Numerous short stories, novels, and games

• A movement against scientific progress

• A focus on realistic horror