Well, their appeal lies in their ability to create a sense of mystery and unease. Take 'The Yellow Wallpaper' for instance. The strange descriptions of the wallpaper and the woman's growing fixation on it draw the reader in. We can't help but wonder what's really going on. Also, these stories often have deep - seated themes hidden beneath the weirdness. In 'The Lottery', the shock of the ending makes us think about the nature of society and its traditions. Weird short stories can be like a mirror that reflects the darker or stranger aspects of our humanity in a very oblique way.
The best weird short stories are appealing because they break the norms. They take the readers to places they've never expected. For example, in Kafka's works, the absurd situations like a man turning into an insect make us question our own existence and the world we live in. It's like a jolt to our normal thinking patterns.
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.
One reason is the element of surprise. In weird fantasy stories, you can expect the unexpected. For example, in Neil Gaiman's works, there are often strange creatures and events that defy normal logic. This keeps readers on their toes.
The unexpected elements in a weird story are appealing. For example, if a normal day in a small town suddenly turns into a day where everyone starts floating. It's not something we see every day. It grabs our attention and makes us wonder what will happen next.
Well, his ability to create interesting characters. Whether it's a mischievous child or a self - important adult, the characters are well - drawn and complex. For example, in 'Tobermory', the cat is not just a simple talking animal but has its own personality and motives. Also, his stories often have unexpected twists and turns, like in 'The Open Window'. This keeps the readers on their toes and makes them eager to read more.
Best short love stories can be very relatable. Many people have had brief encounters or short - lived romances. These stories capture those experiences. Like the story of a summer fling. We can all identify with the intense feelings that come and go quickly in such relationships, and that's why they are so appealing.
First, the vivid descriptions of action scenes. In 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge', the detailed account of the man's supposed escape makes it exciting. Second, the conflict. Whether it's man vs. nature like in 'To Build a Fire' or man vs. man as in 'The Cask of Amontillado', the conflict drives the action. And finally, the unexpected twists. Stories like 'The Lady, or the Tiger?' keep you guessing until the very end which is highly appealing.
The mystery element. Each short story has a well - crafted mystery. For example, in 'The Submarine Plans', there are multiple suspects and red herrings. The plot keeps you guessing until Poirot reveals the truth. Also, the settings in which the mysteries occur, whether it's a posh hotel or a small village, add to the charm. The contrast between Poirot's foreign nature and the often very English settings creates an interesting dynamic.
The surprise factor. In a good humorous short story, like 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry, there are often unexpected turns. A couple sacrifices their most precious possessions for each other, but it turns out those possessions are related in a funny way. It catches the reader off - guard and makes them laugh.
The suspense. In the best spooky short stories, like 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the suspense builds as the narrator gets closer and closer to his act of madness. You keep wondering what will happen next. Also, the unknown. In 'The Monkey's Paw', not knowing exactly what the paw will do when a wish is made keeps you on edge.