Discussing "The Dunwich Horror" by itself could be difficult because of its shallow characterization and thin plot; it relies on an imaginative evocation of locale and suspenseful atmosphere to hold the attention of its readers. Thus, a good approach for discussion probably should include other stories of the Cthulhu Mythos, which would offer the opportunity for comparison and for evaluation of the depth of Lovecraft's fantasy world.

For those with an academic bent, the Cthulhu Mythos offers up an interesting blend of modern science and ancient superstition which invites comparison to anthropological views of different cultures' systems of belief.

For example, animism is a system of belief that holds that the universe is filled with free-floating spirits that may or may not interact with human beings and that are largely indifferent to human affairs. In animistic beliefs, humanity is usually a tiny, thoroughly insignificant part of...