Forbidden Knowledge

Lovecraft uses the theme of forbidden knowledge in order to put forth the idea that knowledge exists that humans simply should not know or cannot comprehend. It must be noted that Lovecraft actually uses this theme very often within his work, so it is not just “The Dunwich Horror” that utilizes this theme. Essentially, in both “The Dunwich Horror” and Lovecraft’s other works there often exists knowledge that humans should simply not pursue. In the case of this this story, it is the knowledge of the Necronomicon.

Forbidden knowledge is used as a driving force for a large portion of the story’s plot. After Old Whateley teaches Wilbur about the occult, Wilbur seems to crave the further knowledge that his grandfather could not provide him. This causes him to pursue both the Necronomicon and the knowledge that it contains. While Wilbur is not...