In 'The Lottery', the sense of normalcy at the beginning that gradually turns into horror is what makes it a scary story. The villagers are chatting casually as if it's an ordinary day, but then the lottery starts and we realize it's a matter of life and death. It shows how ordinary people can be part of something so cruel without realizing how wrong it is.
The unexpected and cruel nature of the lottery in the story makes it scary. People blindly follow the tradition of the lottery, which ends with a stoning. It's terrifying to think that a community would carry out such a brutal act in the name of tradition without much question.
The uncertainty and high stakes of the lottery can be terrifying. You never know if you'll win or lose, and the potential for huge losses or negative consequences can be really scary.
The unknown. When there are things that are not fully explained or shown, it scares people. For example, in a haunted house story, if you just hear strange noises but don't see the source clearly, it creates a sense of fear. You start imagining all sorts of terrifying things.
What makes a scary story truly scary is the element of the unknown. When there are things that are left to the imagination, it scares people more. For example, in a story where there's a strange noise in the attic but you don't know what's causing it. It could be anything, and that uncertainty is terrifying.
There was a case where a lottery winner's identity was leaked. As a result, she started getting strange letters and calls. Some were from con - artists trying to trick her into giving away her money, and others were just creepy threats from envious people. It was so scary that she had to move to a different place and change her identity.
In 'The Lottery', Tessie Hutchinson stands out as a main character. At first, she is just like the other villagers, casually participating in the lottery. But when she realizes she is the one chosen, she protests. Mr. Summers, who is in charge of the lottery process, is also a key figure. His role in carrying out this age - old but cruel tradition shows how some people uphold the status quo without thinking about the morality. And there are other villagers too, whose collective actions and acceptance of the lottery are quite telling about the society in the story.
The appearance. A clown with a grotesque face paint, like smeared red lipstick and blackened eyes, can be really scary. Also, their costumes. If it's tattered and dirty, it gives an eerie vibe.
Well, a dog can be scary in a scary story for several reasons. One is if it has some kind of supernatural element attached to it. Maybe it's possessed by an evil spirit, like in some stories where the dog can talk in a menacing voice or has the ability to disappear and reappear suddenly. Another aspect is the setting. If the dog is in a spooky place like an old graveyard or a haunted house, it adds to the scariness. And its actions towards people, like stalking them in the dark or attacking without provocation, can be really terrifying.
Another factor is the backstory. If there are rumors or a known history about the mama that involves dark magic, death, or some kind of curse, it adds to her scariness. Maybe she was once a kind mother but then something tragic happened that changed her into a malevolent being. This transformation and the mystery behind it can send shivers down the reader's spine. For example, if she was cursed by an evil witch because she didn't pay a debt, and now she's out for revenge on the world around her.
The unknown. When you see something in a reflection that you don't expect or can't explain, it's terrifying. For example, seeing a face that isn't yours or a figure that has no physical presence in the room.
The sharpness of the claw is what makes it scary. A really sharp claw can easily cut through flesh, which is a very terrifying thought. Just imagine a claw that can slice open your skin with a single swipe.