The Horror of Disabilities Rereading Disability Narratives to Infer Horror’s Progressive Functions

Abstract

The horror genre, characterized by its capacity to shock and disturb, is uniquely positioned to tackle subversive and controversial topics. Critics like Lennard Davis argue that horror often portrays disabled characters negatively, reinforcing stigmatizing views. This essay challenges Davis's perspective by employing Julia Kristeva's theory of abjection to demonstrate how horror's subversive nature can act as a tool for progressive change. Through a close reading of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, this essay reveals how these narratives challenge the dichotomy of "good vs bad" and promote a reevaluation of disability. By juxtaposing disabled characters who exhibit virtue and empathy with able-bodied characters who display cruelty and apathy, these stories disrupt rigid societal roles and perceptions. This analysis highlights horror's potential to inspire a shift in how disability is perceived, advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding.