Why were Victorian ghost stories so popular?

Answer 1

Victorians had a real fascination with the supernatural. Many grifters got very rich, convincing sad and desperate people that they could see the future or contact their loved ones in the afterlife. Even today, with lots of science and research available to us, many people believe those things are possible. In the 19th century, hope trumped common sense and led people to believe in all sorts of unprovable things, such as ghosts. Based on that public perception, ghost stories like the ones written by Wilkie Collins (The Woman in White) and Charles Dickens (A Christmas Carol) were very popular.

Answer 2

Victorian ghost stories were popular because they reflected the era's fascination with the supernatural, the unknown, and the Gothic aesthetic. They also provided a platform for exploring societal fears, anxieties, and moral concerns in a time of rapid industrialization and social change. Additionally, the popularity of spiritualism during this period influenced the interest in ghosts and other supernatural phenomena.

Answer 3

Victorian times were on the one hand 'prudish' and on the other hand, 'crude'. On the prudish side, many subjects were seen as sensational. But in keeping with supposed "values", people denied thinking, doing, or speaking about "horrific" events or scenes. But watching Gothic Horror was an attempt to separate what people actually thought about, did, and spoke about behind closed doors-- and what they viewed. "My, I never!" might be a response to viewing Gothic horror.

Answer 4

cause they did

Answer 5

because