
Kottayam Pushpanath is renowned for his intricate storytelling, the blend of horror and suspense, and the deep psychological elements in his works. His ability to captivate readers with mystery and fear is not just a product of his imagination but also of the books and authors that influenced him throughout his career. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the major books and literary figures that shaped Pushpanath’s writing style and contributed to the creation of his unique voice in Malayalam literature.
The Influence of Gothic Literature
One of the most significant influences on Pushpanath’s work is Gothic literature, which blends horror, romance, and the supernatural. Authors like Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Bram Stoker, whose Dracula is perhaps the most obvious influence on Pushpanath, played a crucial role in shaping his narrative style. These writers introduced the world to haunted castles, mysterious characters, and the ever-present theme of good versus evil, all of which feature prominently in Pushpanath’s stories.
Pushpanath’s embrace of dark atmospheres, morally complex characters, and psychological tension is reminiscent of the Gothic tradition. The eerie, isolated settings of his novels, such as old mansions and foggy landscapes, are direct echoes of the genre’s conventions. Just like Gothic writers, Pushpanath uses his stories to explore the supernatural while delving into the human psyche. His ability to create suspenseful, haunting environments is a clear reflection of his deep connection to the Gothic genre.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the Birth of Pushpanath’s Vampires
Of course, Bram Stoker’s Dracula stands as a monumental influence on Pushpanath, particularly in how the legendary vampire is reimagined in the context of Malayalam literature. Stoker’s exploration of fear, power, and immortality laid the foundation for Pushpanath’s use of the vampire archetype.
Pushpanath didn’t just adopt the Dracula myth; he reinterpreted it, infusing it with elements of local folklore and mythology. Where Stoker’s Dracula is an aristocratic, otherworldly being, Pushpanath’s vampires are more grounded in human psychology, often symbolizing the darker aspects of society. While Stoker used Dracula as a representation of foreign evil and Victorian anxieties, Pushpanath used the figure of the vampire to delve into human nature, societal decay, and the complexities of morality in modern life.
The Influence of Local Malayalam Literature
While Pushpanath was clearly influenced by Western horror literature, he also drew deeply from the rich tradition of Malayalam literature. Kerala’s history of storytelling, with its focus on mythology, folklore, and superstition, served as a wellspring for Pushpanath’s own work. Stories of Pishachas, spirits, and other supernatural entities from local legends often find their way into his novels, giving his tales an eerie, distinctly Indian feel.
The Influence of Crime Fiction
Pushpanath’s crime novels also carry the distinct imprint of Western crime fiction writers like Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Raymond Chandler. His mastery of plotting and creating complex, twist-filled narratives owes much to these iconic authors. Christie’s ability to construct compelling mysteries, Doyle’s sharp characterizations, and Chandler’s sharp wit all inform Pushpanath’s approach to crime fiction.
Just like Christie, Pushpanath is adept at misdirection, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. His villains are often just as fascinating as his protagonists, with layers of complexity that reflect the influences of Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Chandler’s morally ambiguous characters.
The Impact of Psychological Horror
Beyond the supernatural and crime elements, Pushpanath’s stories are often driven by psychological horror, a genre that explores the fears, neuroses, and complexities of the human mind. Literature works known for blending psychological terror with cosmic horror, influenced Pushpanath’s own exploration of fear that transcends the physical world.
Pushpanath uses psychological horror to explore the internal battles of his characters—be it guilt, obsession, or a descent into madness. Just like literature works which emphasizes the insignificance of human beings in the face of unfathomable cosmic entities, Pushpanath’s narratives often underscore the vulnerability of the human mind when confronted with evil.