The Call of Cthulhu

Summary

«The Call of Cthulhu» is a short story by H.P. Lovecraft that tells the tale of an ancient and powerful being named Cthulhu, who lies dormant in the underwater city of R'lyeh. The story begins with the protagonist, Francis Wayland Thurston, discovering the notes of his late uncle, Professor Angell, who had been investigating the Cthulhu cult. The professor had gathered numerous accounts of strange dreams, visions, and artifacts linked to this cult. Thurston continues the investigation and discovers that Cthulhu may awaken when the stars align in a certain way. In the story's climax, Thurston learns of sailors' encounter with Cthulhu, confirming the reality of the ancient terror. The story ends on a grim note, leaving the reader in anxious anticipation of Cthulhu's possible awakening.

Main Ideas

• The existence of ancient cosmic beings like Cthulhu, who slumber in the ocean depths and may awaken to wreak havoc on the world.
• The notion that human consciousness is incapable of comprehending the true nature of the universe and ancient beings, leading to madness.
• The concept of ancient cults worshipping Cthulhu and other ancient beings, seeking to awaken them.
• The theme of inevitability and humanity's powerlessness in the face of cosmic horrors and ancient forces.
• The use of ancient texts and artifacts containing forbidden knowledge about ancient beings and their influence on the world.

Historical Context and Significance

H.P. Lovecraft's «The Call of Cthulhu» is one of the most significant works in the horror and science fiction genres. Written in 1926 and published in 1928, this story introduced the Cthulhu mythology to popular culture, forming the foundation for an entire subgenre of literature and art known as 'Lovecraftian horror.' Lovecraft created a unique atmosphere of cosmic horror, where humanity confronts ancient and powerful beings whose existence challenges our understanding of reality and our place within it. The influence of «The Call of Cthulhu» extends far beyond literature, inspiring films, games, music, and even philosophical discussions about the nature of fear and the unknown. Cthulhu and its associated myths have become pop culture icons, symbolizing the unexplored and unknowable, continuing to captivate and terrify audiences worldwide.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Francis Wayland Thurston: A professor of linguistics at Brown University who investigates strange events related to the Cthulhu cult. His research leads him to the discovery of the ancient cult and the existence of Cthulhu. Thurston gradually realizes the terrifying truth about the world and its ancient inhabitants.
• Henry Anthony Wilcox: A young sculptor who creates strange and frightening statuettes under the influence of his dreams about Cthulhu. His visions and artworks become key elements in Thurston's investigation.
• John Raymond Legrasse: A police inspector from New Orleans who investigates the Cthulhu cult in 1908. He uncovers strange rituals and artifacts associated with the ancient cult, and his testimony aids Thurston in his research.
• Gustaf Johansen: A Norwegian sailor who survived an encounter with Cthulhu in the South Seas. His diary, found by Thurston, describes the horrific events that occurred aboard his ship and on the island of R'lyeh.

Style and Technique

Lovecraft's style in «The Call of Cthulhu» is characterized by a dark atmosphere and a sense of inevitable horror. He employs complex, multi-clause sentences and archaisms, giving the text a sense of antiquity and mystery. Lovecraft masterfully builds tension through the gradual revelation of information and the use of unreliable narrators. Literary techniques include an epistolary form, where the story is conveyed through diaries, letters, and reports, as well as a fragmented structure, where different parts of the story come together as a whole. The author often uses descriptions that evoke a sense of cosmic horror and the insignificance of humanity in the face of ancient and powerful forces. The story's nonlinear structure enhances the feeling of mystery and uncertainty.

Interesting Facts

• Cthulhu is an ancient cosmic being that sleeps in the underwater city of R'lyeh.
• The name of the city R'lyeh and the name Cthulhu were invented by Lovecraft and have no real-world language equivalents.
• The book's plot is built on the accounts of different characters who have encountered the Cthulhu cult.
• Cthulhu is described as a gigantic creature with an octopus-like head, scaly body, and clawed limbs.
• The book has had a tremendous impact on the horror genre, spawning numerous followers and adaptations.
• The Cthulhu cult is a secret society that worships the ancient being and seeks to awaken it.
• Lovecraft used a pseudo-scientific writing style to give the story a sense of reality.
• Cthulhu has become a symbol of cosmic horror and the unexplored mysteries of the universe.

Book Review

H.P. Lovecraft's «The Call of Cthulhu» is an iconic work that laid the foundation for the Cthulhu mythology and had a profound impact on the horror genre. Critics praise the unique atmosphere of dread and hopelessness that Lovecraft creates through the depiction of ancient and powerful beings whose existence threatens humanity. The story's structure, consisting of several interwoven narratives, allows the reader to gradually immerse themselves in a world full of mysteries and unknown horrors. Lovecraft skillfully uses language and style to convey a sense of inevitable doom and the insignificance of humanity in the face of cosmic horrors. Despite the somewhat archaic language, the work remains relevant and continues to inspire contemporary authors and filmmakers.