The atmosphere of H.P. Lovecraft's "the Outsider" is especially eerie. Which details at the beginning of the story help create the atmosphere? How does the author reinforce it as the story progresses?

Question

ggmydude · Answer

"The Outsider" reinforces the atmosphere by utilizing a main character that is not aware of their own life. They have only known the life inside the castle, which contains many relics of the outside world. Having never used a mirror, they imagine what they look like in comparison to paintings on the wall. A delusional character is one to be feared, consequently because of the unknown. As more information is revealed, we realize our main character was intentionally left alone, since escape is not an option due to the castle being covered by foliage and broken infrastructure. We can only wonder what the MC has done to deserve such a fate, which, given the atmosphere, leads to more uncertainty and therefore reinforcing our consciousness of  queasiness.

jonseybail · Answer

Thanks!