Well, it's the element of fear combined with the unexpected. Take a story where a person finds a strange door in their basement that leads to a dimension full of grotesque creatures. The fact that it starts with something as normal as a basement and then takes such a wild turn into the unknown is what makes these stories so interesting. We are constantly on edge, waiting to see what strange and terrifying thing will happen next.
The mystery. In weird scary stories, there are always things that can't be easily explained. It's like trying to solve a puzzle that has no obvious solution. For example, in a story about a haunted forest, the strange sounds and apparitions make you wonder what could be causing them.
They appeal to our sense of the unknown. We all have a bit of curiosity about what lies beyond our normal perception. Weird scary stories take us into a world where the rules of reality seem to be bent. Like in stories of cursed objects, the idea that an ordinary - looking item can bring misfortune is both strange and captivating.
They are often based on local folklore and real - life locations. So it gives a sense of connection. You might pass by a place that has a spooky story attached to it. The idea that there could be something strange going on right in your own neighborhood is fascinating. It's like the everyday world has a hidden, scarier side. Also, the way these stories are passed down through generations, with each person adding a little something of their own, makes them even more interesting.
The mystery. In scary weird short stories, there are often elements that are not fully explained. It's like a puzzle that our minds can't help but try to solve. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the woman's hallucinations of a woman trapped in the wallpaper are so strange that it makes us wonder what is really going on. It draws us in.
They allow us to experience fear in a safe way. We can read about the scariest situations, like in 'The Pit and the Pendulum' where the protagonist is facing a slow and torturous death, but we know we are not actually in danger. It's a form of thrill - seeking from the comfort of our own space.
The element of truth. Since they are true, it makes them more spine - chilling. We know these things actually happened to someone.
The unexpectedness. In 'weird short stories', things don't follow the normal rules. For example, in 'The Metamorphosis', a man becoming an insect is so out of the ordinary. It makes you think and question the norms. Also, they often explore the darker side of human nature or society in a unique way.
The cultural mix in Texas. There are Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo - Saxon influences. Each culture has its own superstitions and beliefs about the afterlife. When these come together in ghost stories, it creates a really interesting blend. For instance, a story might combine Hispanic folklore about spirits with a Texas - specific historical event, making for a truly unique and captivating ghost story.
One thing that makes really weird short stories interesting is their ability to break the rules. They don't follow the typical narrative structures. Take 'The Lottery' for example. It starts off like a normal small - town story but then takes a dark and unexpected turn. They also allow for a lot of interpretation. Different readers can take different things from these stories, like in 'The Masque of the Red Death' where the symbolism can be interpreted in various ways, which makes the story rich and engaging.
The novelty. We are used to human love stories, but when it comes to aliens, everything is different. Their biology, culture, and way of thinking can create unique love scenarios.
The history. New England has a long and complex history filled with colonial times, witch trials, and seafaring adventures. All these elements seep into the stories and make them rich and full of mystery.
The mystery in scary stories is what makes them interesting. We don't know what will happen next, and that keeps us on the edge of our seats.