If creepy, slow-burning horror is your jam, and you love stories about ancient mysteries, mind-bending magic, and the weirdness lurking under New England, you’ll get a kick out of this one. Lovecraft delivers a suspenseful tale about identity, devotion, and cosmic weirdness with a uniquely haunting atmosphere. It’s also home to one of Lovecraft’s most memorable female characters, and the psychological unraveling and supernatural intrigue will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and classic horror alike.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This story isn’t for everyone. Some readers get frustrated with Lovecraft’s old-fashioned, wordy prose and slower pacing. There are also problematic moments - particularly some outdated ideas about gender - that haven’t aged well. If you’re looking for non-stop action or modern horror, this tale’s subtle build and cerebral focus may leave you cold.

A standout Lovecraft short - spooky, weird, and full of dark surprises. Old-school horror fans, especially those who love a slow-cooked mystery, will be delighted.

About:

"The Thing on the Doorstep" by H.P. Lovecraft is a tale of terror that delves into psychological and magical dimensions of consciousness, personal identity, and personality through the major theme of mind transference. The story follows the narrator, Daniel Upton, and his friend Edward Derby as they spiral down into horror, leading to a climactic encounter with the thing on the doorstep. Lovecraft skillfully crafts a haunting narrative filled with Lovecraftian motifs and vivid, singular language, taking the reader on a journey through dark pits of horror with each step occurring within a deftly created atmosphere.

Characters:

Key characters include Daniel Upton, a troubled narrator, Edward Derby, who faces identity struggles, and Asenath Waite, characterized as a powerful sorceress.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by vivid, atmospheric prose that effectively evokes psychological complexity and a haunting tone.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative delves into psychological horror, mind transference, and dark magical themes, culminating in a climactic encounter.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in New England, particularly Arkham and Innsmouth, contributing to the atmospheric horror characteristic of Lovecraft's work.

Pacing:

The pacing is methodical, featuring a slow build-up of tension through detailed character exploration, leading to a climactic resolution.

It is true that I have sent six bullets through the head of my best friend, and yet I hope to shew by this statement that I am not his murderer. At first I shall be called a madman—madder than the man...

Notes:

The Thing on the Doorstep was first published in 1937.

The story explores themes of mind transference and identity.

The main characters are Edward Derby and Asenath Waite, along with the narrator, Daniel Upton.

Edward Derby is depicted as a sickly, lonely child with a vivid imagination.

Asenath Waite has powers akin to witchcraft and can influence others' personalities.

The story highlights psychological and magical elements in Lovecraft's horror.

Readers note the strong atmosphere and vivid language of the narrative.

The beginning of the story features a dramatic line about murder that sets a tense tone.

Asenath’s character challenges traditional gender roles by seeking male powers.

The story contains typical Lovecraft themes like ancient horrors and dark magic.

It's considered one of Lovecraft's creepier tales due to its disturbing premise.

Some adaptations have taken a humorous spin on the original dark themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of madness, murder, psychological manipulation, and occult practices.

From The Publisher:

H. P. Lovecraft was one of the greatest horror writers of all time. His seminal work appeared in the pages of legendary Weird Tales and has influenced countless writer of the macabre. This is one of those stories.

1937

Ratings (11)

Loved It (6)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (18):

Read It (13)
Want To Read (1)
Not Interested (4)

1 comment(s)

NamelessWay

Loved It

10 months

I think this is one of my favorite Lovecraft stories. The plot is a lot more active than some.

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The Thing on the Doorstep

H.P. Lovecraft

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