Analysis Of H. P. Lovecraft's 'Call Of Cthulhu'

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Untitled working title Are humans pathetic? H. P. Lovecraft believes so and in his horrific short story Lovecraft shows examples of this through underlying themes. In The “Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft, he demonstrates his philosophies on life and how he does not believe in human supremacy. The author shows his beliefs in his characters and through subtle story details. He takes advantage of the horrific universe he has created filled with higher beings that show how weak humans are. The “Call of Cthulhu” follows narrator Francis Wayland Thurston as he discovers notes left behind from his grand uncle after his sudden death. The first chapter deals with a sculpture found among the papers, and the narrator describes “My somewhat extravagant …show more content…

His characters have a goal, but experience turmoil prohibiting them from reaching this goal, and ultimately realize their existence is meaningless. Lovecraft’s characters cannot find solace in these thoughts, since the horror they face is an index of meaninglessness of the human condition. (Ralickas) Another example of meaningless characters are the cultists who so desperately try to awaken Cthulhu, but instead was liberated by curious sailors who didn’t have anything to do with the cult. This also affirms the author’s beliefs as the cultist didn’t contribute to their ultimate goal and all their efforts were futile. At the short stories end the main character comes to realize to late that he is a target for death and nothing he can can stop this. The main character, however realizes his existence is unimportant and would rather face death than face the vile creature Cthulhu is. The horror felt by the protagonist arises out of the fear of knowing the unsuspected truth hiding just beneath the surface of things knowing there will only be a bitter end.

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