The Craft of Eerie Atmosphere in Lalzuithanga’s Horror Fiction

Abstract

Lalzuithanga’s contribution to Mizo horror fiction lies in his subtle yet powerful construction of eerie atmosphere, which functions as both a literary device and a cultural expression of fear. His narratives employ light and darkness to destabilize perception, silence and sound to heighten psychological tension, and the manipulation of time to distort readers’ sense of reality. Such strategies move beyond conventional plot-driven horror, emphasizing instead the slow build of dread that lingers in familiar yet unsettling spaces. Rooted in Mizo folklore and belief systems, Lalzuithanga’s works illustrate how supernatural fear is inseparable from cultural imagination, while also revealing how human malice often hides behind the mask of the otherworldly. By blending folkloric tradition with modern horror techniques, his fiction demonstrates how atmosphere becomes an active agent of fear, shaping both character experience and reader response. Situating Lalzuithanga within broader discourses of horror theory, this study argues that his craft of atmosphere not only enriches Mizo literature but also dialogues with global traditions of the eerie and uncanny