Horror motifs in E. Verkin’s novel “Snark Snark”

The article is dedicated to the modern Russian writer E. Verkin. His novel “Snark Snark” was analysed using the methods of a motif analysis and the elements of a comparative and mythological approach. Verkin’s work is examined from the point of view of its use of horror techniques and motifs. The article considers intertextual connections with precedent texts of Russian classical literature and works of horror (for example, the works of S. King). We identify the sources of the cinematografic allusions of the novel and highlight the references to classic horror films. The article studies the transformations of the horror chrontope, refractions of traditional horror characters and the inclusion of folklore components. We have established that the author uses both genuine folklore motifs and the folkloresque, i.e. imitation, narrative. The theme of sacrifice, popular in the horror genre, is analyzed, suggesting that in the novel “Snark Snark”, the theme of sacrifice is pushed to the periphery of the plot, encrypted in the intertextual code. The article proves that the writer uses horror genre clichés to create certain genre expectations, but often subverts them without leading the plot to a horror ending. Verkin deconstructs horror clichés, violates genre expectations, thus creating a distinctive fictional world.