Analysis Of What Was It By Fitz-James O Brien

The Gothic genre arose in the late 18th and 19th centuries during a time of significant discovery and exploration, especially in the sciences (Marinaro). Through storytelling, people were able to explore new ideas and question how much we knew. Typical horror elements including ghosts, death, and madness alludes to the fear of the unknown in humans (Marinaro). The fear of the unknown is a common Gothic theme that is used to create fear and anxiety. “What was it,” by Fitz-James O’Brien is a short gothic horror story, and also a great contribution to the evolution of science fiction (Hartwell, p.864). O’Brien manages to reject the supernatural creating a greater sense of uneasiness because it suggests that it could be real. From beginning to end, “What was it,” continuously alludes to the unknown, instilling fear in not only the characters, but the reader as well.

Harry and Hammonds initial, opium-induced conversation introduces the idea of fear in the unknown. Their unusually dark conversation brings up the question: “what do you consider to be the greatest element of terror?” (O’Brien, p.867). Harry goes on to reflect, “There must be one Something more terrible than any other thing, I feel. I cannot attempt, however, even the most vague definition,” (O’Brien, p. 867). Hammond agrees and implies there is likely something worse than anything our mind could conceive. Not knowing what it could be continues to add to the fear of the unknown, and foreshadows later