“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” – Hamlet (quoted in The Horla)
May 8
The unnamed narrator begins his diary, describing a sense of unease. He observes a beautiful Brazilian ship passing by and feels an inexplicable joy, followed by a strange fatigue. He wonders if an unseen force is influencing him.
May 10
The narrator becomes obsessed with the idea of an invisible presence. He recounts a nightmare where an invisible being drinks water from his bedside glass. He wakes to find the glass empty, deepening his paranoia.
May 12
He consults a doctor, who dismisses his fears as nervous exhaustion. The narrator, however, grows convinced that an unseen entity—later named “the Horla”—is controlling his thoughts and actions.
May 14
The narrator reads about similar cases in history, reinforcing his belief in supernatural forces. He feels the Horla’s presence growing stronger, draining his vitality.
May 16
He attempts to resist the Horla by locking himself in his room, but the entity still torments him. He witnesses a book moving on its own, confirming his fears.
May 18
The narrator’s mental state deteriorates. He becomes convinced the Horla is an advanced, invisible species destined to replace humanity. He contemplates suicide to escape its influence.
May 20
In a desperate act, he sets fire to his house, hoping to destroy the Horla. As the flames consume everything, he hears laughter—implying the Horla survives.
Final Entry (Undated)
The narrator resigns himself to his fate, acknowledging the Horla’s superiority. He plans to take his own life, seeing no other escape from the entity’s domination.
Key Ideas
- Psychological horror and the fragility of the human mind
- The fear of the unknown and unseen forces
- Existential dread and the insignificance of humanity
- The blurred line between reality and madness
- Supernatural possession and loss of free will
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Le Horla (Film) | French adaptation directed by Jean-Daniel Pollet |
| 2006 | The Horla (Radio Drama) | BBC Radio 4 production starring Anton Lesser |
| 2019 | The Horla (Short Film) | Modern retelling by director Guillaume Nicloux |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of psychological horror and Gothic literature
- Readers interested in existential and supernatural themes
- Those who enjoy unreliable narrators and ambiguous endings