One notable feature is the atmosphere. Algernon Blackwood is a master at creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere. His stories often take place in strange settings like the deep forest or old, isolated houses. Another is the exploration of the unknown. He delves into the realms of the supernatural and the psychological, making the readers question what is real and what is not. His characters are also well - drawn, often being ordinary people thrust into extraordinary situations, which makes them relatable and adds to the overall allure of the stories.
The themes in Algernon Blackwood's best short stories are quite interesting. Many of them revolve around the power of nature and the fear of the unknown. His stories can make you feel as if nature has a life of its own and is something to be both respected and feared. The use of suspense is also a strong feature. He builds tension gradually, leading the reader deeper into the mystery until the final revelation. For example, in some of his stories, a character might start to notice strange occurrences in a new place they've moved to, and as the story progresses, the true nature of these events unfolds in a very engaging way.