“The Call of Cthulhu” is a short story by H.P. Lovecraft that was first published in 1928. It is considered one of Lovecraft’s most famous and influential works, and has inspired countless adaptations and imitations in popular culture. The story is a work of horror fiction that tells the tale of a man who discovers a cult that worships an ancient and malevolent deity known as Cthulhu.
Lovecraft was known for his use of allegory in his writing, and “The Call of Cthulhu” is no exception. The story has been interpreted in a number of different ways, with some readers seeing it as a commentary on the dangers of unchecked scientific progress, while others view it as a warning about the dangers of blindly following religious or political leaders. Whatever interpretation one chooses to take, there is no denying the enduring power and influence of this classic work of horror fiction.
Background of “The Call of Cthulhu”
“The Call of Cthulhu” is a classic horror fiction novella written by H.P. Lovecraft, first published in the pulp magazine Weird Tales in 1928. The story is a seminal work in the horror genre and has influenced countless writers, filmmakers, and artists.
The story is set in the 1920s and follows the investigation of a mysterious cult that worships a monstrous entity called Cthulhu. Lovecraft’s creation of the cosmic entity Cthulhu has become an iconic figure in horror literature.
Lovecraft was inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Algernon Blackwood, and Lord Dunsany, and he developed his own unique style of cosmic horror. His stories often dealt with themes of madness, the unknown, and the fear of the unseen.
“The Call of Cthulhu” is considered one of Lovecraft’s most famous works and has been adapted into numerous films, games, and other media. The story’s enduring popularity is a testament to Lovecraft’s ability to create a world of horror and mystery that continues to captivate readers and audiences to this day.
Overview of Allegory in the Novella
“The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft is a horror novella that explores the idea of cosmic horror, ancient mythology, and the limits of human knowledge. Lovecraft uses allegory as a way to convey his ideas and themes, and to create a sense of unease and dread in the reader.
One of the key allegories in the novella is the idea of the “Eldritch Gods,” which are ancient, otherworldly beings that exist beyond human comprehension. These gods represent the unknown and the unknowable, and they are often associated with madness and chaos.
Another allegory in the novella is the concept of forbidden knowledge. Lovecraft suggests that there are certain truths that are too terrible for humans to know, and that seeking out this knowledge can lead to madness and destruction. This idea is embodied in the character of Professor Angell, who becomes obsessed with the Cthulhu cult and ultimately dies as a result of his pursuit of knowledge.
Lovecraft also uses allegory to explore the theme of power and control. The Cthulhu cult represents a group of people who have given up their free will in exchange for power and knowledge. Lovecraft suggests that this kind of blind devotion is dangerous and ultimately leads to destruction.
Cthulhu as a Symbol of Cosmic Indifference
Cthulhu, the monstrous entity in H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Call of Cthulhu,” represents the idea of cosmic indifference. Lovecraft’s world is one in which human beings are insignificant in the grand scheme of things, and Cthulhu embodies this notion perfectly. The creature is so ancient and powerful that it is beyond human comprehension, and its very existence is a reminder of the insignificance of human life.
Cthulhu’s appearance is also symbolic of this idea. The creature is described as having a “tentacled head,” “dragon-like wings,” and “clawed hands.” These features are not only terrifying but also otherworldly, emphasizing the idea that Cthulhu is not of this world and is beyond human understanding.
Furthermore, Cthulhu’s cultists worship it as a god, further emphasizing the idea of cosmic indifference. The fact that humans are willing to worship such a monstrous entity shows just how insignificant they are in the grand scheme of things. The cultists are willing to sacrifice human lives to appease Cthulhu, and this highlights the idea that human life is ultimately meaningless in Lovecraft’s world.
The Cult and Its Allegorical Significance
The cult of Cthulhu, a central theme in “The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft, serves as an allegory for the dangers of blind faith and the corrupting influence of power. Lovecraft uses the cult as a symbol for the destructive nature of fanaticism, warning readers of the dangers of following a belief system blindly without questioning its validity.
The cult’s devotion to Cthulhu, a monstrous being from beyond the stars, represents the allure of power and the willingness to do anything to achieve it. Lovecraft portrays the cultists as deluded and insane, willing to sacrifice their own lives and the lives of others in the name of their deity. This serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power.
Furthermore, the cult’s belief in the return of Cthulhu and the destruction it will bring represents the fear of the unknown and the dangers of apocalyptic thinking. Lovecraft uses the cult as a symbol for the dangers of paranoia and the destructive nature of fear.
The Madness Theme and Its Allegorical Resonance
Lovecraft’s “The Call of Cthulhu” explores the theme of madness and its allegorical resonance. The story depicts the gradual descent into insanity of those who come into contact with the Cthulhu mythos. The madness theme is allegorical in that it represents the human fear of the unknown and the limits of our understanding.
The story’s protagonist, Francis Wayland Thurston, is driven to madness by his investigation into the Cthulhu cult. Lovecraft uses Thurston’s descent into madness to illustrate the idea that the human mind is not equipped to handle the vastness of the universe and the horrors that lie beyond our understanding.
The allegorical resonance of the madness theme in “The Call of Cthulhu” is that it represents the human struggle to understand the unknown. The story suggests that there are some things that are beyond human comprehension and that attempting to understand them can lead to madness.
The Role of Dreams in Conveying Allegory
In “The Call of Cthulhu,” H.P. Lovecraft uses dreams to convey allegorical themes. The protagonist, Francis Wayland Thurston, discovers a series of dreams and visions that lead him to uncover the existence of an ancient and malevolent being known as Cthulhu. These dreams serve as a metaphor for the human subconscious, which often holds hidden knowledge and desires that can be both enlightening and terrifying.
Lovecraft’s use of dreams also highlights the theme of the unknown and the unfathomable. The dreams Thurston experiences are often cryptic and surreal, reflecting the idea that the true nature of reality is beyond human comprehension. This is further emphasized by the fact that Cthulhu is described as an “Eldritch God,” a being so ancient and powerful that it defies human understanding.
Through the use of dreams, Lovecraft also explores the theme of insanity. As Thurston delves deeper into the mystery of Cthulhu, he begins to question his own sanity. This reflects the idea that the pursuit of knowledge can lead to madness, especially when that knowledge concerns things that are beyond human understanding.
The Allegory of Knowledge and Its Limits
“The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft is a story that explores the theme of knowledge and its limits. Lovecraft suggests that there are certain things in the universe that are beyond human comprehension and understanding. He argues that humans should not venture into the unknown, prehistoric, and occult as it is likely to take them beyond the edge of sanity and bring them face to face with the horrors of the universe.
Lovecraft uses the character of Francis Wayland Thurston, who discovers his late grand-uncle’s papers, various transcribed oral accounts, news clippings, a diary, and so forth, to convey the idea that knowledge can be dangerous. Thurston’s written document is itself an archive of other writings, suggesting that the transmission of the secrets of the Cthulhu is a dangerous endeavor.
Lovecraft also uses the supernatural and demonic reputation of voodoo as a way to suggest the power and mystery of Cthulhu. As a well-known hub of voodoo belief systems and practices, New Orleans becomes one of the story’s key settings, where Inspector Legrasse first learns of an otherworldly swamp in the hinterlands of Southern Louisiana.
Interpretations of the Allegory by Scholars
Scholars have long debated the meaning of the allegory in “The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft. Some argue that the story is a commentary on the dangers of scientific progress and the hubris of humanity in attempting to understand forces beyond our control. Others suggest that it is a warning against the dangers of colonialism and the exploitation of other cultures.
One interpretation is that the story is a critique of religion and the dangers of blind faith. Lovecraft was an atheist and often wrote about the dangers of superstition and religious dogma. In “The Call of Cthulhu,” the cultists who worship Cthulhu are portrayed as delusional and dangerous, willing to sacrifice anything in their blind devotion to their god.
Another interpretation is that the story is a reflection of Lovecraft’s own fears and anxieties. Lovecraft suffered from intense anxiety and depression throughout his life, and many of his stories reflect his own struggles with mental illness. “The Call of Cthulhu” can be seen as a metaphor for the fears and anxieties that plagued Lovecraft, with Cthulhu representing his own inner demons.
Influence of ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ on Later Works
H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Call of Cthulhu” has had a significant influence on later works in the horror genre. The story’s creation of the cosmic entity Cthulhu has become an iconic figure and has been referenced in numerous works of horror fiction, films, and video games.
Lovecraft’s use of cosmic horror, a subgenre of horror that emphasizes the insignificance of humanity in the face of the vast and uncaring universe, has been emulated by many horror writers. The idea of a vast, ancient, and malevolent entity that threatens to destroy humanity has been used in countless works of horror fiction, including Stephen King’s “It” and Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods.”
In addition to its influence on horror fiction, “The Call of Cthulhu” has also had an impact on popular culture. The Cthulhu mythos has been referenced in a variety of media, including music, television, and video games. The character of Cthulhu has become a cultural icon, with merchandise featuring the creature being sold around the world.