TL;DR
H.P. Lovecraft's 'The Call of Cthulhu' is a seminal cosmic horror tale exploring humanity's frailty when faced with ancient, incomprehensible forces, as narrated by Francis Wayland Thurston based on his grand-uncle's discoveries.
What is The Call of Cthulhu about
'The Call of Cthulhu' delves into the existential dread stemming from encounters with cosmic entities. The story follows Francis Wayland Thurston, who uncovers shocking truths about the enigmatic Cthulhu cult through the notes of his grand-uncle, Professor George Gammel Angell. This exploration of forbidden knowledge reveals humanity’s vulnerabilities against ancient powers, making it a cornerstone of Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. First published in 1928, the novella critiques the human quest for knowledge and the peril it entails, warning that some truths may be better left undiscovered.
The Call of Cthulhu 7 Key Takeaways
Introduction to the Narrator
The story begins with Francis Wayland Thurston introducing himself and his quest to piece together his grand-uncle's research into the mysterious cult of Cthulhu.
Discovery of the Cult
Thurston uncovers disturbing evidence of a global cult that worships Cthulhu, a monstrous entity lying dormant beneath the sea.
The Dream and the Sculpture
He learns of a recurring nightmare experienced by many, which is linked to the ancient creature, and discovers a strange sculpture depicting Cthulhu.
Encounters with the Occult
Thurston recounts his grand-uncle's encounters with cultists and how they perform rituals to summon Cthulhu, revealing the terror of their beliefs.
The Madness of Knowledge
The narrative reveals how the pursuit of forbidden knowledge leads to madness, exemplified by those who come into contact with Cthulhu.
The Climactic Revelation
The climax unveils the terrifying reality of Cthulhu's existence, shaking Thurston's understanding of reality and the universe.
The Conclusion
Thurston concludes that humanity is insignificant in the face of such cosmic horrors and that some knowledge may lead to despair and madness.
Top The Call of Cthulhu Quotes
- The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents.
- That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange aeons even death may die.
- The fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all.
Who should read The Call of Cthulhu?
'The Call of Cthulhu' appeals to readers who enjoy cosmic horror, philosophical explorations of existence, and those intrigued by the boundaries of human understanding. Fans of Lovecraft's work and the horror genre will find both inspiration and terror within its pages.
The Call of Cthulhu Best Reviews
- The New Yorker praised 'The Call of Cthulhu' as a masterclass in creating a pervasive sense of dread and highlighting Lovecraft's unique contribution to horror literature.
- Publishers Weekly noted that Lovecraft's ability to evoke the unknown through rich descriptions and unsettling themes makes this novella a timeless classic.
- The Guardian highlighted that Lovecraft's influence on modern horror and the genre's evolution can be traced back to the chilling narratives found in 'The Call of Cthulhu.'
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The Call of Cthulhu FAQs
What is the main theme of The Call of Cthulhu?
The main theme revolves around the dangers of seeking forbidden knowledge and the fragility of the human mind when confronted with ancient, incomprehensible forces.
Is The Call of Cthulhu a short story or a novella?
Though it is a relatively short piece, spanning over 30 pages, 'The Call of Cthulhu' is considered a significant novella in Lovecraft's body of work.