CZM Book Club: Two Tales of Classic Horror, by Saki and Bierce

First published in 1911, 'The Devil's Dictionary' is a collection of satirical definitions written by Ambrose Bierce. The book is a critique of the societal norms and values of Bierce's time, using humor and irony to redefine common words. It is known for its clever and often biting definitions that reflect Bierce's skeptical view of human nature and society.

"An Inhabitant of Carcosa" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, set in a desolate and mysterious landscape. The narrator finds himself in a ruined burial ground, disoriented and questioning his sanity. He encounters strange figures and cryptic symbols, leading him to realize he is in the ancient city of Carcosa. As he explores the surroundings, he discovers a tombstone bearing his own name and dates. The story culminates in the revelation that the narrator is dead, trapped between worlds. It explores themes of mortality, perception, and the blurred line between reality and illusion.

Robert W. Chambers' "The Yellow King" is a collection of short stories, some of which are linked by the recurring motif of a play called "The King in Yellow," which drives readers to madness. The stories explore themes of decadence, artistic obsession, and the fragility of reality. Only the first few stories are explicitly weird fiction, while the rest vary in genre. "The Repairer of Reputations," the first story, is one of the most famous, presenting a disturbing vision of a future where a man becomes obsessed with the play. The book has had a lasting impact on the horror genre, influencing writers like H.P. Lovecraft and inspiring works such as HBO's "True Detective. "

Published in 1892, 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is a pivotal work of feminist literature presented in the form of a series of journal entries written by an unnamed woman. The story delves into the themes of patriarchal control, the stifling nature of gender roles, and the consequences of denying women autonomy over their own lives. The protagonist, confined to a room by her physician husband, becomes increasingly obsessed with the yellow wallpaper, symbolizing her own feelings of oppression and entrapment. The narrative highlights the harm caused by the 'rest cure' treatment and the societal expectations that subordinated women during the Victorian era.

The novella tells the story of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a well-respected scientist, and his mysterious and malevolent alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde. Jekyll’s experiments with a potion lead to the physical and moral transformation into Hyde, an embodiment of his darker impulses. The story explores the theme of the duality of human nature, the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order. The narrative unfolds through the investigations of Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, a London lawyer and friend of Dr. Jekyll, who uncovers the sinister relationship between Jekyll and Hyde.

The novel centers on the life of Dorian Gray, a young man who becomes infatuated with his own beauty and the hedonistic philosophies of Lord Henry Wotton. After wishing that his portrait would age instead of himself, Dorian embarks on a life of sensual excess and moral decay, while his portrait reflects the true state of his soul. The story delves into the duality of human nature, the allure of aestheticism, and the critique of Victorian society, highlighting the devastating effects of evil and debauchery on Dorian's life and those around him.

The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread terror and create more vampires. The story begins with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula. Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker barely escapes with his life. Dracula then travels to England, where he targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, and her friend Lucy. A group of characters, including Professor Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Quincey Morris, band together to hunt down and destroy Dracula. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, modernity vs. tradition, and the fears and anxieties of the Victorian era, including immigration, sexual desire, and the role of women in society.