12 icons of horror

1. Religious Symbols  
Used to show good versus evil and good versus evil. Can be used to show man playing god or fighting inners demons. Religious artifacts show belief in something greater than humanity. 

2. Symbols of Death – shown by representative objects, such as coffins, gravestones, skeletons, angels of death, and so forth. Can show confusion between life and death, so objects can help symbolize who is on which side.  

3. Light – Light can symbolize many things, such as hope, transition, escape, and even death Candles, lanterns, and flashlights are common sources of light in horror, as the light can only be cast so far . 
4. Colors – Many films use color to symbolize themes and the powers of good and evil. I.E. Red is often associated with evil,  



5. Weapons – . Weapons have phallic symbolism that suggests masculine power and the woman that outsmarts the villain essentially castrates him.it is most powerful when it reflects character 
6. Doors and Windows  
Can symbolize characterization. Typically used for entrapment or freedom. They can show opportunity. 
7. Tunnels and Corridors 
Tunnels and corridors repeatedly represent the passage to death, resurrection or life (Yonic) 
8. Keys/Locks – Keys and locks symbolize secrets, confinement, and hidden objects or places. In The Skeleton Key, Caroline is trying to solve her patient Ben’s paralyzed condition. Her skeleton key works in every room in the house except one in the attic.  

9. Dolls –   A doll’s symbolism: might include sexuality, lack of control, death, desire, regret, families, ageing, and much more. Dolls can symbolize innocence but the features can be viewed as errie strung up dolls are seen as not in charge of their actions.  



11. Masks – , masks are most often used to disguise evil. Masks are devoid of movement, except for the eyes, which makes them unnerving, like doll faces. 

12. Mirrors – , can have many symbolic meanings though typically represent the multiple dualities of characters. Broken mirrors connotations of shattered lives and personalities. Mirrors can also represent voyeuristic, vanity, and
sexual themes. Mirrors can also reflect dangers.  


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