Real Horror: The Supernatural and its Connection to Abuse in Late 20th Century Horror

Author(s)

• John Sebastian, University of Dayton

Advisor

Dr. Bryan Bardine

Department

English

Publication Date

4-22-2026

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Abstract

Horror authors from the late 20th century explain the turmoil of domestic and childhood abuse through supernatural elements to represent the loss of autonomy of victims. Several horror authors from the late 20th century showcase abuse through the supernatural not to exploit the experiences of victims of abuse but allow for spaces for readers to encounter truly horrifying stories and process them. Works explored include Stephen King’s The Shining and Carrie, as well as Ira Levin’s Rosemary's Baby and William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist.

Permission Statement

This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.

Keywords

Undergraduate research

eCommons Citation

Sebastian, John, "Real Horror: The Supernatural and its Connection to Abuse in Late 20th Century Horror" (2026). Honors Theses. 521.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/uhp_theses/521