Horla

Written by Guy de Maupassant in 1887, 'Horla' is a short story that follows an unnamed narrator who documents his descent into madness in a diary. He experiences terrifying nightmares and believes he is being haunted by an invisible entity, the Horla. This work is notable for its exploration of mental illness and the supernatural, reflecting Maupassant's own struggles with insanity. The title derives from the French term meaning 'outside' or 'beyond,' emphasizing the themes of alienation and existential dread.