Short Fiction · Question
How does Short Fiction develop the theme of Supernatural Evil and Occultism?
Answer
Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman develops Supernatural Evil and Occultism across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book is saturated with occult practices, witchcraft, demonic pacts, and supernatural entities, such as werewolves, witches, and cursed books like the 'Grand Albert' and 'Long Lost Friend,' which drive the plots of multiple stories.
The painting's dancers are malevolent supernatural entities that come to life, embodying occult evil through their animated attacks.
The chapter delves into werewolf mythology and occult practices, emphasizing the presence of supernatural evil.
The séance summons a grotesque, animalistic creature that attacks Gird, suggesting a malevolent supernatural force.
Evidence in the book
- The Golgotha Dancers
The painting's dancers are malevolent supernatural entities that come to life, embodying occult evil through their animated attacks.
- The Hairy Ones Shall Dance
The chapter delves into werewolf mythology and occult practices, emphasizing the presence of supernatural evil.
- III: "That Thing Isn't My Daughter—"
The séance summons a grotesque, animalistic creature that attacks Gird, suggesting a malevolent supernatural force.
- IV: “I Don’t Know What Killed Him.”
The séance setting and the mysterious, unseen creature that kills Gird suggest occult forces at work.
- VI: “Eyes of Fire!”
The grove is described as a 'Devil's Croft' and the creature with eyes of fire and a point-eared silhouette evokes supernatural evil.
- A Trick That Almost Killed You
The chapter discusses werewolves, demonic entities, and the occult, with Pursuivant asserting the reality of lycanthropy.
- XII: “We Are Here at His Mercy.”
The creature's hypnotic howl and Susan's trance-like response highlight the occult influence of the werewolf.
- XIV: “I Was—I Am—A Wolf.”
The werewolf's supernatural nature, ectoplasmic manifestation, and hypnotic control.
