InzeladunMaster
First Post
In Robert E. Howard's work, we have the same underlying theme of civilization becoming more and more threatening as it becomes more complex. However, instead of the underlying despair and hopelessness that echoes in the work of HPL, we have a faith of naturalism that runs through-out all of Howard's work. It is civilization itself that Howard is against, the force that saps the elemental strength of mankind. Howard's heroes defeat this menace by the most direct and forceful method possible. They hack it to pieces. Howard reveres the barbarian, the savage who violently attacks and destroys that which stands as a menace to him. Lovecraft's characters passively shiver and moan as the terrible secrets of the universe make them turn to jelly, whereas Howard's heroes fight with the last breath in their bodies when faced with like alternatives. Where HPL's work reflects the primeval fears of mankind, Howard's presents the eternal struggle for existence, no matter the price.
