The suspense. In dark short stories, there's often a sense of impending doom. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', we keep waiting to see what the next wish will bring and how the family will be further punished. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Well, really creepy short stories appeal because they tap into our primal fears. Fear of the unknown, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the woman is slowly losing her mind and we don't fully understand what's in the wallpaper. Also, they can be a form of escapism. Instead of dealing with our normal, mundane lives, we enter a world full of horror and mystery. And the vivid descriptions in these stories, such as in 'The Monkey's Paw', make the horror seem so real.
They're appealing because they're quick reads. You can finish one during a short break. For example, on a bus ride or waiting in line.
The mystery. In a dark short story, there are often elements that are not fully explained. This leaves the reader to wonder and fill in the gaps, like in a story where a strange figure is lurking in the shadows but we never really know who or what it is. It's this sense of the unknown that draws people in.
The suspense. In short horror stories, there's often a build - up of tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's increasing paranoia creates a sense of unease. Also, they can explore the darker side of human nature. Stories like 'The Yellow Wallpaper' show how a person can be driven to madness, which is both fascinating and terrifying.
The unexpectedness. In a really bad but funny short story, things go horribly wrong in a way that you don't expect. It catches you off guard and makes you laugh. For example, like the man who thought he could talk to animals and started having a full - on conversation with a squirrel, which of course just ran away.
The sense of cosmic horror. Lovecraft's stories make you feel like humanity is insignificant in the face of the vast, unknowable cosmos. His short stories often involve ancient, powerful entities that are far beyond our comprehension. This makes the stories very different from typical horror, as it's not just about a serial killer or a haunted house. It's about things that could potentially destroy all of humanity.
The thrill. We like to be scared in a safe way. Scary stories give us that adrenaline rush.
The sense of shock value also plays a role. When you read a disturbing story, it jolts you out of your normal state of mind. It makes you question things and see the world from a different, often darker, perspective. For example, in 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator's act of burying his so - called friend alive is extremely shocking. It makes the reader think about revenge and the lengths some people might go to. Moreover, some readers enjoy the feeling of being on the edge while reading these stories, not knowing what truly dark turn the plot might take next.
The mystery. Vampires are often shrouded in mystery. In really scary vampire stories, we don't fully understand their powers or their origins all the time. This unknown factor is very appealing as it makes us keep reading to find out more. For example, in 'Dracula', we are constantly trying to figure out Dracula's true nature.
The sense of the unknown and the feeling of dread they create. In 'Ben Drowned', the way the game world starts to blend with the real world in a very abnormal and spooky way gives you a sense of unease. You don't know what will happen next or how far the horror will spread, and that's what makes these stories so appealing to those who like a good scare.