The Ethics of Realistic Horror Literature

Horror fiction has always been a genre that pushes boundaries, exploring and exposing the darker parts of human nature and the world we live in. However, when horror becomes realistic, the ethical consequences become significantly more complex. The subgenre of realistic horror fiction doesn’t rely on supernatural elements for fear; it instead uses real-life evils and psychological traumas to make the horror more visceral and unsettling. This year, I have read three novels representing this subgenre after researching novels that would shake me to my core in an experiment of genres: Borrasca by C. K. Walker, Penpal by Dathan Auerbach, and Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry. Each book offers narratives that challenge us to confront the terrifying realities of human cruelty and the moral “gray area” in ambiguity. Each of these works raises important questions about the ethics of depicting such horrors in literature and the impact these stories can have on their readers.

Borrasca: The Horror of Trafficking

Borrasca tells the traumatic tale of a small town that harbors a dark secret. This secret is a trafficking ring that has run for years and destroys the lives of its victims and the many locals. The story’s realism lies in its portrayal of how such a crime can be hidden in plain sight while being orchestrated by those in power and ignored by those who choose not to see what is happening for their own well-being. The ethical dilemma here is complex and complicated. On the one hand, Borrasca shines a light on a real-world issue that is often underrepresented in mainstream media yet still extremely real, forcing its readers to confront the existence of such evil and challenging the concept of “ignorance is bliss.” On the other hand, the depiction of the victims’ suffering does raise questions about how the portrayal of the situation is appropriate and truthful. This novel also has the potential for re-traumatization and the exploitation of real-life victims for entertainment.

Penpal: The Terror of Stalking

This story’s horror is rooted in the invasion of personal space and the narrator’s loss of safety as Dathan Auerbach explores the creeping dread of being stalked. The novel’s power lies in its subtlety as it slowly follows the narrator’s life, reflecting the nature of real-life stalking. The depiction of such a scenario is complex and hard to swallow. The act and crime of stalking often leave victims feeling powerless, and by forcing readers into this experience, the novel can cause a deep sense of empathy and understanding along with fear and paranoia. Like Borrasca, there is the risk of trivializing the trauma or glamorizing the obsessive behavior of the stalker and the journey of the victim to escape such a situation. The ethical line here is thin: while Penpal succeeds in creating an atmosphere of tension and fear that leaves us in legitimate terror, it also questions the author’s responsibility to ensure that the portrayal does not reinforce harmful stereotypes or diminish the seriousness of the crime and its victims.

Saving Noah: The Fallout of Abuse

This novel tackles the uncomfortable and often taboo subject of child sexual abuse in a story that is told from the perspective of a teenage boy who has committed the abuse and how he and his family deal with the consequences. This novel forced me as a reader to confront the horrors of this crime and the complex and often contradictory emotions surrounding rehabilitation and forgiveness. The ethical challenges of this novel are overwhelming. It is also important to note that author Lucinda Berry is a former psychologist and one of the top researchers of childhood trauma; her portrayal of these crimes comes from years of research and experience. Berry’s choice to humanize and possibly empathize with a character who has committed such an unforgivable act is a bold one. It provokes us to question our own power for empathy and understanding of such a complex situation. Can we, or should we, understand someone who has caused such immeasurable harm? The novel does not give you these answers; instead, it explores guilt, shame, and the possibility of redemption while attempting to educate its readers. Yet, the ethical concern remains: does the narrative inadvertently downplay the severity of the abuse or shift the focus away from the victims’ suffering? These are a few questions I still think of after reading this novel.

The Role of Realistic Horror in Ethics

While different in their specific horrors, these novels share a common thread in their unflinching portrayal of humanity’s darker side. They force readers to engage with difficult moral questions. The realism in these stories strengthens the impact of the horror, making it not just a source of fear but a facilitator for reflection on societal issues that are often ignored or misunderstood. These novels remind readers that when grounded in reality, horror is not just about fear—it’s about facing the ethical dilemmas that define society.

Deanna Aniles
Associate Student Representative, High Plains Region, 2024-2025
Rho Psi Chapter
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

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